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

Looking to make the postseason for the fourth consecutive season, the beginning of the 2025 season has been a mixed bag for the Philadelphia Phillies.

At 16-13, the Phillies have played relatively good baseball, but a disheartening three-game sweep against the archrival New York Mets has left them 4.5 games out of first place and the fanbase searching for answers. Much of the attention has focused on a bullpen that ranks 29th in MLB in ERA, and while the Phillies could use another arm, there are enough experienced arms in their relief corps to provide hope for a turnaround. 

While the Phillies may be able to ride Jose Alvarado, Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering as they figure out their middle relief situation, their lack of lineup depth is a different story. The lack of production from the bottom of the order was a major reason why they were upset by the Mets in the National League Division Series last season, and with Alec Bohm once again struggling, J.T Realmuto in decline, and Trea Turner providing little thump, the Phillies look once again to be a bat short. 

Though the Phillies might prefer another right-handed hitter with lefties Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper and Bryson Stott being their most productive hitters thus far, Athlon Sports’ Matthew Sullivan believes they could find a solution in Baltimore Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins. 

“Adding Mullins to the batting order would make the Phillies lineup one of, if not the most dangerous for a pitcher to traverse,” Sullivan wrote. “The former All-Star and Silver Slugger would be a great addition to the Phillies lineup, and would also provide solid fielding ability in the outfield.”

With an 11-18 record, the Baltimore Orioles have been one of the biggest disappointments in baseball thus far, but Mullins is hardly the one to blame. He is currently hitting .283 with a robust .421 on-base percentage, tallying six home runs and swiping five bags in six attempts. If the Orioles continue to fall behind the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox at the top of the division, they may choose to move their longtime center fielder, who is one of their few upcoming free agents with value. 

In Mullins, the Phillies would get an immediate upgrade over current center field Johan Rojas, who has a career .659 OPS and is better served in a utility role. In addition, because Mullins is an expiring contract, he would not require general manager Dave Dombrowski to dip too deep into a farm system that has been depleted by years of all-in trades.

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