The New York Mets addressed their center field vacancy by trading for former All-Star Cedric Mullins from the Baltimore Orioles on July 31, 2025, ending widespread Luis Robert Jr. trade rumors. The Mets exchanged three pitching prospects—Anthony Nunez, Raimon Gomez, and Chandler Marsh—to complete the deal.
Details of the Trade and Player Performance
The Athletic’s Will Sammon confirmed the trade, stating,
“The Mets are acquiring Cedric Mullins a trade with the Baltimore Orioles for Ramon Gomez, Chandler Marsh and Anthony Nunez, league source tells The Athletic. @AnthonyDiComo first on Mullins to Mets part.”
— Will Sammon, Reporter
Mullins, who was an All-Star in 2021, had spent his entire eight-year MLB career with Baltimore until this transaction. This season, he has posted a slash line of .229/.305/.433 with a 105 OPS+, hitting 15 home runs and 19 doubles.
Why the Mets Passed on Luis Robert Jr.
Before acquiring Mullins, the Mets had shown interest in Luis Robert Jr., the center fielder for the Chicago White Sox. Robert struggled to replicate his 2023 All-Star form, with a .213/.300/.353 batting line, an 82 OPS+, and 11 home runs this season, despite strong defense and a solid July performance where he batted .353.
The Mets ultimately avoided pursuing Robert due to the White Sox’s demanding trade price and their willingness to pick up his $20 million option for 2026 despite his recent struggles. This high asking price likely deterred other teams, including the Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies, who have made separate moves to strengthen their center field positions.
Addressing a Critical Offensive Weakness
Center field had been a significant offensive weakness for the Mets this season, ranking near the bottom of the league with a .602 OPS (27th), a .214 batting average (28th), and tying for last in home runs with only four. Mullins’s addition provides an immediate upgrade, combining some power and experience in the position.
With this trade, the Mets aim to improve their lineup balance and overall competitiveness as they move deeper into the season.