If the New York Mets could acquire anything right now, it would likely be the 2024 version of Juan Soto. While that’s not realistic, they may still have options to bolster their outfield in other ways.
Soto might not be in the running for another top-three MVP finish, but there’s little doubt that his well-documented slump will eventually fade. He’s locked in as the right fielder in Queens, but the team could still use help in center field.
To start the season, the Mets were relying on two right-handed, defense-first players in center—Tyrone Taylor and Jose Siri. With Siri now sidelined due to a fractured tibia, the team has turned to a combination of Taylor and Jeff McNeil in the middle of the outfield.
While the current group could be serviceable, one baseball analyst suggests the Mets might look for reinforcements on the trade market.
On Tuesday, CBS Sports‘ R.J. Anderson highlighted Baltimore Orioles center fielder Cedric Mullins as a potential trade target for the Mets as the July 31 deadline approaches.
“Mullins has refined the skill of hitting fly balls to his pull side, allowing him to generate power despite modest exit velocities,” Anderson wrote. “He’s also been highly efficient on the basepaths, with an 80% career stolen base success rate. Additionally, he’s showing better plate discipline this year, swinging less and walking more.”
The key factor is how teams evaluate his defense. If a club views him as at least an average center fielder, Mullins could be seen as a well-rounded, above-average player nearing free agency. Anderson listed the Phillies, Mets, and Padres as possible landing spots.
Now 30, Mullins has quietly developed into a steady performer in center over the past five seasons. Since 2021, he’s posted a .765 OPS with 89 home runs over 627 games. He’s earning \$8.7 million this season in his final year of arbitration, which means the Mets would owe less than \$4 million by the trade deadline—a financially sensible deal, depending on the prospect cost.
SOURCE: TheSportingNews
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