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Phillies Should Inquire on Orioles Center Fielder Mullins

The Orioles are reportedly listening to offers on Mullins. The Philadelphia Phillies should be first in line.

The Philadelphia Phillies have been looking for center field help after moving on from Odúbel Herrera and not having an established center fielder waiting in the wings.

One of the Phillies' rumored targets, Starling Marte, just signed with their National League East rivals the New York Mets. With just a few impact players left on the market, a trade could be in the cards.

MLB Insider Jon Heyman has reported that the Baltimore Orioles would listen to offers on center fielder Cedric Mullins and listed the Phillies as one of the potential suitors. 

Baltimore Orioles Center Fielder Cedric Mullins

Baltimore Orioles Center Fielder Cedric Mullins

Mullins slashed .291/.360/.518 with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases. His 30/30 season was the only one in the 2021 MLB season. However, 2021 was his breakout season as he has not come close to those numbers in his big league career which began in 2018. 

If Baltimore does indeed listen to offers on Mullins, they should garner plenty of interest. His bat in the 2021 MLB was prolific, but his defense was less so. He was still seen as an average center fielder based on his Defensive Runs Saved. The Phillies have also been connected to Bryan Reynolds who is seen as a much better defender. 

That being said, Mullins would be a massive upgrade to the blackhole in center field the Phillies have experienced over the last few seasons. President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski has specifically called out the need for a leadoff hitter and middle-of-the-order bat. 

Mullins would fill two holes: Center field and another big bat in the lineup. He would likely come cheaper than Reynolds, but would still command a prospect like Bryson Stott, Mick Abel, or Logan O'Hoppe. 

Regardless, the Phillies have to do something to address the issue. Dombrowski was brought in to be aggressive and it's hard to see him being anything but in his first full winter at the helm. He understands his role and what is at stake.

The trajectory of the franchise may depend on it.

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