Mets secure Cedric Mullins from Orioles as key center field improvement
The New York Mets have made a move to strengthen their roster, acquiring outfielder Cedric Mullins from the Baltimore Orioles. The 30-year-old Mullins, known for his speed, power, and defensive prowess, is set to beef up the lower half of the Mets' lineup behind Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and Pete Alonso.
Mullins has been in fine form recently, batting .292 with an .872 OPS over his last 21 games for the Orioles. In 91 games this season, he has managed a .229 batting average, 15 home runs, 49 RBI, and a .738 OPS. Notably, Mullins has a better performance against left-handed pitching, with a .866 OPS, compared to the Mets' team average of .226 against lefties (24th in MLB).
The Mets have been struggling with their center field position due to injuries and underperformance. Jeff McNeil, a natural second baseman, has been stepping in to support the Mets' center field position. With Mullins on board, McNeil can return to his natural position at second base.
The acquisition of Mullins is part of the Mets' commitment to their championship aspirations, as shown by their recent acquisitions of Tyler Rogers and Ryan Helsley. The trade occurred just hours before Major League Baseball's trade deadline on Thursday.
In addition to Mullins, Raimon Gomez, Anthony Nunez, and Chandler Marsh were sent to Baltimore as part of the deal. This move allows the Mets to deploy young infielders like Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio, and Luisangel Acuna more liberally.
Mullins' impact on the Mets lineup is still emerging, given the few games played. However, he brings above-average power, speed, and defense to the center field position, addressing a key need for the Mets during their 2025 campaign.
Mullins' defensive skills are strong, with a 2 outs above average ranking in MLB's 83rd percentile. While he has struggled slightly with runners in scoring position, he still offers offensive improvement for the Mets in this area. The acquisition of Mullins also improves the Mets' center field offensive stats, as their .602 OPS ranks 27th in MLB and their .227 average with runners in scoring position ranks 29th.
For more information on Cedric Mullins and the Mets, visit AMNY.com. As the Mets continue their pursuit of a championship, fans eagerly anticipate the contributions Mullins will make to the team's success.
The acquisition of Cedric Mullins from the Baltimore Orioles, a player known for his strong offensive and defensive skills in baseball, will allow Jeff McNeil to return to his natural position at second base for the New York Mets, addressing their ongoing struggles with the center field position. Mullins, who has a better performance against left-handed pitching compared to the Mets' team average (.866 OPS versus .226), could significantly boost the Mets' offensive stats against lefties, currently ranked 24th in Major League Baseball.
