2. CEDRIC MULLINS, BAL CF
I wrote about this trade idea before too. The Baltimore Orioles need starting pitching and are actively looking for it. Pablo López is on their radar and they may just be interested in working out a swap with the Miami Marlins.
Could Cedric Mullins become a member of the Miami Marlins?
The Fish need a CF and Baltimore needs starting pitching. Doesn’t it make perfect sense to then help each other out? Let me get something out of the way first: I think that Mullins is significantly more valuable than Pablo. An elite CF that plays good defense and hits well is a rarity in today’s game. This means that Mullins can potentially bring in a legit ace to Baltimore.
Cedric Mullins batted .258/.328/.403 in 2022 for Baltimore. He hit 16 home runs and drove in 64 RBI. He also produced 3.8 WAR and 1.0 dWAR. Not too impressed? I’m sure there’s at least one reade who isn’t and that’s fine. In 2021, he batted .291/.360/.518 with 30 HR and 59 RBI. He also produced 5.7 WAR. Does that impress you?
There’s no question that Mullins is an elite CF. Can you imagine how much better the Miami Marlins would be with him catching fly balls in centerfield?! I’m concerned about Baltimore not finding better trade partners however. The Houston Astros need a CF and have starting pitching to spare too. The Milwaukee Brewers might be shopping their aces for hitting as well. There’s also no reason why Baltimore can’t just sign some starting pitchers in free agency and keep their lead-off hitter.
What if Baltimore is willing to do this though? Kim Ng should definitely look into putting Cedric Mullins in a Miami Marlins uniform for next season as soon as possible.