Since falling short in the 2022 World Series, the Philadelphia Phillies have been determined to make their way back.
They’ve remained one of baseball’s top teams and consistent contenders, but repeated postseason letdowns have kept them from returning to the Fall Classic.
Now, with several core players approaching free agency, this season feels like one of their final opportunities before their championship window begins to close. With that urgency, the Phillies have jumped out to a solid 25-18 start, trailing the division-leading New York Mets by just two and a half games.
A meltdown in Baltimore
In contrast, the Baltimore Orioles have been one of the most disappointing teams of the season. With a rough 15-26 start, they currently sit at the bottom of the American League East, prompting speculation about whether they might become sellers at the trade deadline.
One MLB insider believes that could include parting ways with one of their longest-tenured players.
Appearing on MLB Central, Jon Morosi explained why he believes veteran outfielder Cedric Mullins could be on the move.
“Certainly, as we’re looking at the outlook and how things might unfold, I’ve got one name circled on that Orioles lineup and that is Cedric Mullins,” Morosi said. “When you think about the type of player who makes a massive impact at the deadline, it’s this type of player and person.”
Morosi went on to name potential landing spots for the former Silver Slugger.
“For all those reasons, you think about the Phillies being a tremendous fit for him. I would even see a team like the Rangers possibly being a good fit for Cedric Mullins,” he said. “There are very few teams in baseball for whom he would not be a very good fit. He would add something meaningful wherever he goes.”
A consistent producer
Cedric Mullins has been one of the few steady contributors in an otherwise underwhelming Orioles lineup this season. Sporting a .230/.335/.446 slash line with a .781 OPS, his offensive numbers are respectable, but it’s his defensive impact that further boosts his value. Despite being in his 30s, Mullins ranks in the 77th percentile in Outs Above Average, according to Baseball Savant, showing he still covers plenty of ground in center field.
His best season came in 2021, when he broke out in a big way—posting a 6.2 bWAR, hitting 30 home runs, and earning a Top-10 finish in AL MVP voting.
That level of production is exactly what the Phillies should be eyeing. They’ve struggled to find consistent output from the center field spot this season, and a player like Mullins could help stabilize both their lineup and defense down the stretch.
A hole in Philadelphia’s Lineup
Brandon Marsh has been a major disappointment for the Phillies this season. With a .547 OPS, 53 OPS+, and just a .270 on-base percentage, his struggles at the plate are glaring. Injuries have only added to the frustration, keeping him off the field and disrupting any chance of finding a rhythm. After back-to-back seasons with over 3.0 bWAR, Marsh is now on pace for a season that could end in negative WAR territory.
The Phillies don’t have much margin for error if they hope to win the NL East. The Mets have emerged as one of the league’s top teams, while the Braves, after a rough start, have fought their way back to a .500 record and remain a looming threat.
To truly capitalize on their current championship window, the Phillies will likely need to make bold moves at the trade deadline. A player like Cedric Mullins could provide immediate impact—solidifying the center field spot both offensively and defensively—and give Philadelphia the boost they need for a deep postseason run.
For the Orioles, who sit in last place and are staring down a disappointing season, dealing a pending free agent like Mullins could be one of the few positives to come from an otherwise lost year.