Could Cedric Mullins Be Headed to Philly?

With the Philadelphia Phillies potentially looking for a more stable situation in center field, they have emerged as a betting favorite to land Baltimore Orioles All-Star Cedric Mullins.

According to BetMaryland.com, with Baltimore off to a slow start, they have posted betting odds for the 2021 All-Star to be traded. Mullins is a strong defender in center and is off to a solid start offensively, slashing .278/.412/.515 with six homers, 20 RBI, and five stolen bases in 28 games.

The favorite is that Mullins remains in Baltimore at -150, but the No. 1 team that Mullins could land with is Philadelphia, with odds of +750.

The Dodgers and Mets were next at +1000 with the field at +900.

Mullins would likely be an upgrade to the current Phillies center field situation, with Johan Rojas and Brandon Marsh essentially platooning. Marsh has been dealing with a hamstring injury and is currently on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Marsh struggled through the season's first 17 games, hitting .095 (4-for-42) with one homer and five RBI.

Without him, Rojas has been pretty solid offensively, hitting .316 with one home run, three stolen bases, and seven RBI over the past two weeks.

What Would Mullins Bring to Philadelphia?

While Mullins would be a solid addition, he does hit left-handed and is a career .228 hitter against left-handed pitching. This season so far against lefties, he is hitting .333 with two home runs and five RBI in 36 plate appearances.

Trade Scenario: Ranger Suárez for Mullins?

Would a move of pending free agents help both teams if the Phillies parted with Ranger Suárez in exchange for Mullins? Mullins hits leadoff for Baltimore and could be an option at the top of the Phillies lineup, moving Bryson Stott back to the bottom of the lineup.

Overall, while Mullins is having a solid year, adding another left-handed bat would be a concern, unless I were giving up very minor prospects, which I doubt Baltimore would be interested in doing.