The Philadelphia Phillies are locked in a tight race with the New York Mets for the National League East lead. They could be looking for upgrades in the outfield at the trade deadline to help win the division.
Nick Castellanos is the only Phillies outfielder with an OPS+ above 100. Brandon Marsh, Max Kepler and Johan Rojas have not been good enough. FanSided’s Mark Powell predicted the Phillies would trade for Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles.
“There are plenty of potential fits for Mullins, but the one that makes the most sense is the Philadelphia Phillies,” wrote Powell. “Mullins can play either of the corners, and perhaps even serve as reinforcements in center field, which the Phillies are currently lacking. Mullins’ power numbers are trending up this season, and should play well at Citizens Bank Park.
“With the Phillies looking for permanent solutions in center – Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas won’t cut it – and a possible long-term option in place of Nick Castellanos, adding a player of Mullins stature at a cheaper price tag makes more sense than swinging for the fences in a trade for Luis Robert Jr.”
Mullins was an All-Star and Silver Slugger back in 2021. This season, he is slashing .211/.300/.410 with 13 home runs. He may not seem like an upgrade on paper, but the Phillies would be banking on his potential.
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Mullins is not going to be that expensive to acquire, and is just a rental. He is projected to sign a four-year, $56 million deal in free agency, and the Orioles, who are poised to be sellers, should be willing to move him.
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