The New York Mets have made a significant addition ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring center fielder Cedric Mullins from the Baltimore Orioles. This move, finalized in late July, is part of a broader effort by the Mets to bolster their roster for a playoff push, addressing a key weakness in their outfield lineup.

The Mets continue to reshape their bullpen as well, having recently added relievers Tyler Rogers, Ryan Helsley, and Gregory Soto in separate deals. The Cedric Mullins Mets trade deadline maneuver marks the latest in a series of aggressive moves by New York, involving a total of ten prospects traded so far.

Orioles Receive Three Promising Pitching Prospects in Exchange

In return for Mullins, the Orioles secured three young right-handed pitchers: Raimon Gomez, Anthony Nuñez, and Chandler Marsh, each bringing unique potential to Baltimore’s rebuilding plans.

Raimon Gomez, 25, is one of the hardest throwers in the Mets organization, known for reaching velocities over 100 mph. Despite missing most of the 2023 season and all of 2024 due to Tommy John surgery, Gomez returned this spring, showcasing his elite arm strength by hitting 104.5 mph during a single game. He has been working mostly in relief roles since mid-May but struggles with control, having issued 25 walks in 35 innings this season. Gomez’s strikeout rate is strong at about 23%, but improving his command is crucial for his development as a major league pitcher.

Anthony Nuñez, 24, offers an intriguing story as a former third baseman turned pitcher. Drafted by the Padres in 2019, he was released in 2021 and later played college baseball at Division II Tampa, where he converted to pitching late in his senior year. Since signing with the Mets in 2024, Nuñez has climbed quickly through the minors to Double-A Binghamton. He combines a 90 mph cutter, used as his primary pitch, with a mid-80s slider and a highly effective changeup. Over 32 appearances this year, he has posted an excellent 1.58 ERA and maintained tight control with 60 strikeouts against 17 walks in 40 innings, earning a spot as the Mets’ 27th-ranked prospect.

Chandler Marsh, 22, is a relatively new addition to professional baseball, having signed as an undrafted player from Georgia in 2024. Marsh primarily pitches out of the bullpen, featuring a 94-95 mph fastball complemented by a mid-80s gyro slider. In 25 outings for High-A Brooklyn, he has recorded a 3.45 ERA with a 1.05 WHIP, striking out 38 batters and walking 16 across 31.1 innings. His velocity has increased since his college days at Georgia, enhancing his potential.

Cedric Mullins’ Role and Performance with the Mets

Cedric Mullins, 30, has been a steady presence in center field for the Orioles throughout this decade. His peak performance came in 2021, highlighted by a .291 batting average, a .360 on-base percentage, and .518 slugging percentage, ultimately placing ninth in the American League MVP voting. Since that season, Mullins’ ability to get on base and maintain a high average has declined, though his power remains solid.

Over the past three seasons, Mullins has produced a .232/.305/.417 slash line. Known for his above-average defensive skills in center field, he does struggle somewhat with arm strength, and his home ballpark in Baltimore has not been favorable to hitters. Now a free agent after the current season, Mullins offers the Mets an upgrade over their current outfield options. Tyrone Taylor, the player he is replacing, has posted a .201/.258/.295 line, making Mullins’ bat a clear improvement despite Taylor’s superior defense.

Implications for Orioles and Mets Moving Forward

This trade is part of a continuing sell-off by the Orioles, who have actively moved several players including Gregory Soto, Andrew Kittredge, Ramon Urias, and Seranthony Dominguez in recent weeks to acquire young talent and build for the future. By obtaining three prospects with high-ceiling arms, Baltimore aims to replenish its farm system while giving Mullins an opportunity for a fresh start elsewhere.

For the Mets, adding Cedric Mullins addresses a glaring hole in their outfield defense and lineup, supporting their ambitions for the playoff run. His experience and offensive upside, combined with recent bullpen reinforcements, reflect New York’s commitment to competing immediately. The Mets’ willingness to part with a large number of prospects highlights their focus on present contention over long-term development.