Guardians could target former Orioles All-Star at the trade deadline

It’s been a strange season for the Cleveland Guardians. At 40-39, they are 9.5 games out of first-place in the AL Central, but are just 0.5 games out of the AL’s third Wild Card spot. 

A big reason for the team’s struggles is their lack of production in the outfield. Steven Kwan has been hit typical All-Star self, hitting .306 with a .799 OPS this season, but aside from him, it’s hasn’t been pretty. 

Still firmly in the playoff race, it’s safe to assume that the Guardians will look for upgrades at the trade deadline rather than sell off key pieces. Nick Selbe of Sports Illustrated mentioned Baltimore Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins as a potential target at next month’s deadline. 

Mullins isn’t enjoying the best season of his career by any standard. The 30-year-old is hitting just .214 with 12 HR’s, 35 RBI’s and a .718 OPS this season. Nonetheless, it’s an upgrade over what the Guardians currently have.

“At his peak, he was a legitimate difference maker with speed and power, posting a 30–30 season in 2021 and averaging 16 homers and 28 stolen bases from ‘22 to ‘24,” Selbe wrote of Mullins. “This year, Mullins’s offensive production has dipped to career lows in batting average and on-base percentage, though he’s still tracking for over 20 home runs. A sub-par defensive center fielder (ranking last at the position in defensive runs saved), he’s a free agent after this season, and likely not a part of the Orioles’ long-term plans.”

The Orioles currently sit in last place in the AL East at 34-46, firmly out of the playoff race in the American League. Should that trend continue, Mullins could be amongst several Orioles to be on the move.