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Zach Pressnell is a Newsweek contributor based in Columbus, Ohio. His focus is MLB content. He has an extensive knowledge of professional baseball and all things that come with it after working closely with the sport for years. Zach has been with Newsweek since November 2024 and previously worked at FanSided and OnSI. He is a graduate of Bethany College (WV). You can get in touch with Zach by emailing [email protected].
Zach Pressnell
Contributing Sports Writer
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Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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The Baltimore Orioles have struggled tremendously this season. Instead of contending and looking like buyers ahead of the trade deadline, they’re struggling and look to be sellers.
With that in mind, somebody like Cedric Mullins has gained a bit of steam as a trade chip. There are expected to be few outfielders on the market, so a trade involving Mullins might net the Orioles a good return.
The Athletic’s Jim Bowden recently spoke to Mullins as a potential trade deadline piece. Bowden even linked the Philadelphia Phillies to a huge trade for Mullins and closer Felix Bautista.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 01: Cedric Mullins #31 of the Baltimore Orioles watches as a ball hit by Josh Smith #8 of the Texas Rangers falls in front of him during the third inning at…
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Sam Hodde/Getty Images
“Mullins, 30, is an impending free agent who could be available on the thin outfield market,” Bowden wrote. “He is having a down year, batting just .214 with a 99 OPS+, but does have 12 homers and eight stolen bases and remains an elite defensive center fielder. A trade sending Mullins and Bautista to the Phillies could be a great fit for Philadelphia, which would have to give Baltimore a strong prospect package to make that hypothetical deal work.”
This hypothetical deal is exactly what the Phillies need, and they have the prospect capital to make it happen. Philadelphia’s closer, Jose Alvarado, is suspended for half the season and the postseason. Beyond Alvarado, the bullpen struggles a bit either way.
Placing Mullins in the outfield would be solid for the surging Phillies, too.
For Baltimore, it would largely depend on the prospect return. If the Orioles can land Mick Abel alongside two or three other marquee prospects, this deal could make sense for both sides.
More MLB: Cardinals Predicted To Cut Ties With $81 Million Star In Huge Trade