The Philadelphia Phillies have remained one of the top teams in Major League Baseball this season. They currently lead the National League East and have the third-best record in the Senior Circuit.
The team does have needs that they’ll have to address at the trade deadline, however. They haven’t gotten much production out of center field.
There will be some outfielders available at the deadline, and Philadelphia will likely be in the mix for several of them.
R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports listed Cedric Mullins as a potential trade candidate and listed Philadelphia as a fit.
“In theory, Mullins should be an easy evaluation. For most of his career, he’s been a skilled defensive center fielder with a feel for stealing bases and for lifting and pulling the ball. In practice, it’s hard to get a read on his season to date. His topline production remains in line with his typical output, yet his strikeout rate is at career-high levels without corresponding changes to his contact rate. His defense is also a little puzzling. He’s lost a step as he’s aged into his 30s — hey, doesn’t everyone?” Anderson wrote.
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Mullins has struggled this season. He’s hitting just .213/.295/.413 with 12 home runs, 39 RBI, eight stolen bases and a .708 OPS. He was off to a hot start earlier this season.
But perhaps a change of scenery could help him. The 30-year-old center fielder has been part of a brutal season for the Baltimore Orioles, who were expected to be a contender this season.
With Philadelphia in contention, a trade could give him a boost. He also has a solid track record of success, having won a Silver Slugger award and earning an All-Star nod back in 2021.
Center field has been an area of weakness for the Phillies, but Mullins could be the answer as the deadline approaches. We’ll see how the Phillies operate at the deadline.
More MLB: Phillies tabbed as landing spot for 27-year-old Marlins outfielder
