Orioles trade idea lands former All-Star with Phillies

The Baltimore Orioles are not off to a good start in 2025. After 29 games, they are 11-18 and sit at the bottom of the American League East, 6 1/2 games behind the first place New York Yankees.

Injuries have decimated the starting rotation, and the loss of Corbin Burnes hurts now more than ever. If the Orioles turn things around, they'll need to add some pitching.

However, if they don't, they may be forced to sell at the trade deadline, and if they must do that, one of the biggest pieces they can sell off is center fielder Cedric Mullins.

Andrew Wright of Newsweek proposed the idea of Baltimore sending Mullins to the Philadelphia Phillies.

"Given the team's slow start to the season, it is no surprise to find the Phillies outfielders tied for 25th in Wins Above Average at minus-1.0 so far. That is tied with the Colorado Rockies who are 4-24 and on pace to set the all-time record for most losses in a season," Wright said.

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"Mullins would be an upgrade over both Max Kepler and Johan Rojas and could be the piece that finally pushes Philadelphia over the top."

Mullins is off to a red-hot start this season, hitting .283/.421/.533 with six home runs, 20 RBI, five stolen bases and a .954 OPS. The former All-Star and Silver Slugger is a key piece of the puzzle for Baltimore.

However, if the Orioles are out of contention and sell, then Mullins could fetch them a massive return of prospects, even in the final year of his current contract.

The Orioles would be wise to capitalize on his value, especially given their need for pitching and their logjam of position players. 

It will be interesting to see where they stand at the deadline, but if they don't turn it around, trading Mullins should be on the table.

More MLB: Phillies trade idea lands them former All-Star outfielder to lengthen lineup