The New York Mets look like contenders in the National League once again, but could be looking for an upgrade in center field this summer. They could target one of the Baltimore Orioles’ All-Star players.
Tyrone Taylor has been the Mets’ primary center fielder, but he has a .666 OPS and just one home run. He plays solid defense, but the Mets know that it will take a high-scoring offense to dethrone the Los Angeles Dodgers. Newsweek’s Drew VonScio suggested the Mets could trade for Cedric Mullins.
“Mullins is just 30 years old, so the Mets could get several years out of him before either moving him to a corner outfield role or cutting ties entirely,” wrote VonScio. “He is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, so while his price tag may increase, the Mets would be paying the price for a rental with a chance to sign him prior to free agency.”
Mullins was an All-Star and Silver Slugger in 2021. Since 2021, he has a .768 OPS and 86 home runs. The Orioles are 13-23 and could look to cut ties with Mullins before he potentially walks as a free agent.
Spotrac projects him to sign a four-year, $56 million deal in free agency. This season, he has hit seven home runs and collected 21 RBIs. His batting average leaves a lot to be desired, but he makes up for it with an .815 OPS.
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
If the Mets like what they see out of Mullins, they could bring him back in free agency. The Orioles are shaping up to be a team that receives plenty of calls near the trade deadline. If they start selling of pieces, Mullins could be one of the players to watch.
More MLB: Yankees-Angels blockbuster trade pitch sends future Hall of Famer to NY
