As recently as last season, the Baltimore Orioles appeared poised to dominate the AL East for the next decade, thanks to a talented young core featuring Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, Colton Cowser, and others.
However, this year has been a different story. A shaky pitching staff has contributed to a disappointing 13-20 start, leaving Baltimore five games behind in the division standings.
With little hope that their pitching will improve, the Orioles might shift into seller mode by the trade deadline. One name already surfacing in trade rumors is veteran centerfielder Cedric Mullins.
A free agent after this season and an Oriole for all eight years of his MLB career, Mullins could be a valuable trade piece.
Despite a recent slump, he’s still putting up solid numbers with a .255 average, seven home runs, 21 RBIs, and an .870 OPS in 110 at-bats. If he keeps up that production, he’ll likely be moved by mid-July.
The Cincinnati Reds could be a potential landing spot, especially after losing left fielder Tyler Callahan to injury. With the Reds ranking 12th in Wins Above Average across all outfield positions, adding Mullins would be a boost.
Since he’s only under contract through the end of the season, the price tag might be relatively low — possibly just one mid-tier prospect.
Outfielders Ethan O’Donnell (No. 18 prospect) or Adolfo Sanchez (No. 22) could be enough to get a deal done if Baltimore opts to trade Mullins.
