The Philadelphia Phillies are expected to be active over the next two weeks as Major League Baseball’s trade deadline looms. The Phillies have one of the best starting rotations in baseball, so they likely won’t target a starter at the deadline. In the National League East, Philadelphia is hanging onto a slight lead in the division, but it’s shaping up to be a tight race with the New York Mets.
The two biggest needs that Philadelphia could address at this deadline are bullpen reinforcements and an outfielder who can provide some power production. In this trade proposal, the Phillies land a former All-Star center fielder.
Orioles Send Cedric Mullins to Phillies
In a blockbuster type move, the Baltimore Orioles would send away center fielder Cedric Mullins to the Philadelphia Phillies. Mullins has been the subject of many trade rumors all season, and the deadline could be when he finally gets moved. For the Phillies, this deal would address their center field issue that has been persistent throughout the last few seasons. The 30-year-old Mullins fields his position exceptionally and provides some pop with the bat. He has 13 home runs this season and 14 doubles to make his slugging percentage over .400.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com believes Mullins is a trade target to watch as the deadline gets closer:
“Mullins was an All-Star in his breakout 2021 season, and while he hasnât been able to replicate that performance over the past three years, the 30-year-old has remained above league average at the plate each season while excelling defensively. Mullins is earning $8.725 million in his final year before free agency, and with the Orioles carrying a 43-52 record and -90 run differential, Baltimore could look to get a return for Mullins rather than watching him walk via free agency.”
With Mullins being a free agent as seasons end, this is the perfect opportunity for the Orioles to get a young talent in exchange for Mullins. The Phillies have World Series aspirations, and despite Mullins’ low average around .220, there wouldn’t be much pressure on him as other prominent hitters in that lineup can pick up the slack. Baltimore has had a disastrous season thus far, and they likely want to turn the page and move on from this season, and get whatever assets they can from this deadline.
Mullins Return Package
As noted, since Mullins is set to be a free agent after this, his asking price shouldn’t cost too much, especially because of his low average, and being a guy who is aging.
A good return deal for the Baltimore Orioles would be center fielder Johan Rojas and the seventh-ranked Philadelphia Phillies prospect Moisés Chace. Rojas is another good defender, but he could spend some time in the Orioles’ minor league system to figure out his hitting.
Again, the Orioles are likely to see this trade deadline, and a deal between the Phillies and Baltimore feels likely in some sense. It could also be Felix Bautista being sent to Philadelphia for those bullpen reinforcements that the Phillies desperately need. However, as of now, it seems more likely that Mullins will be on the move.
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