Jon Morosi of MLB Network had already suggested that the Philadelphia Phillies could be a potential trade destination for Baltimore Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins. So far in 2025, Mullins is slashing .229/.340/.435 with seven home runs and 21 RBI over 37 games. He also owns a 126 wRC+, a .345 wOBA, and a .253 BABIP, along with a 21.6% strikeout rate and a career-high 13.1% walk rate. With Mullins set to hit free agency after this season and the Orioles currently struggling, a midseason trade appears likely. The Phillies, who explored adding a center fielder during the offseason, still have a need at that position.
Center field has been a weakness for Philadelphia for some time. The team has been platooning Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas, with mixed results. Marsh has struggled mightily, posting a .193/.288/.298 slash line with one homer and eight RBI in 23 games, along with a 68 wRC+ and a .269 wOBA. Rojas has fared better with a .284/.329/.378 line, one home run, and 11 RBI in 28 games, sporting a 97 wRC+ and a .312 wOBA. Overall, Phillies center fielders have combined for a .631 OPS and 77 wRC+, ranking 23rd in MLB. Clearly, an upgrade is needed.
But Would Mullins Really Be a Fit?
While Mullins is a strong player and could fill the positional void, there are complications. The Phillies lineup already leans heavily left-handed, particularly in the top four spots. Adding another lefty in Mullins could lead to matchup issues, especially against left-handed pitching. Although the Phillies often use five left-handed bats against right-handed starters, including Mullins would likely extend that imbalance into games against left-handed starters as well.
Interestingly, Mullins has shown reverse splits this year, hitting lefties much better (.922 OPS, 171 wRC+) than righties (.716 OPS, 108 wRC+), which contrasts with players like Marsh and Stott who struggle against lefties. However, Mullins’ career numbers suggest this season may be an outlier — he has a .683 OPS and 92 wRC+ vs. lefties for his career, compared to .784 OPS and 118 wRC+ against right-handers.
Roster Construction Concerns
Unless Brandon Marsh is included in a potential trade, acquiring Mullins could create a roster logjam. Top prospect Justin Crawford, another left-handed center fielder, could reach the majors this year, and bringing in Mullins could block opportunities for him and Rojas. Rojas has two minor league options remaining, so he could be sent down, but that might not be ideal for his development. If Marsh were traded in a deal for Mullins, it could clear a path for Crawford to become the starting center fielder in 2026.
Given Mullins’ pending free agency and the likelihood that he won’t be extended, the Phillies may want to look elsewhere. While outfield help is needed, Mullins may not be the best long-term solution for Philadelphia’s roster and lineup construction.