May 28, 2025 – Philadelphia, PA
With the trade deadline approaching and the Baltimore Orioles slipping in the standings, the Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly laying the groundwork for a potential move that could shake up their outfield — targeting Cedric Mullins in what insiders are calling a “very real possibility.”
According to multiple league sources, the Orioles are expected to adopt a seller’s mindset over the next few weeks, and Mullins — a dynamic center fielder with a mix of power, speed, and playoff experience — could be one of the first players moved if the right offer comes along.
The Phillies, meanwhile, have been quietly assessing their options in center field. Neither Brandon Marsh nor Johan Rojas has solidified the role this season, leaving the door wide open for an outside addition. Mullins fits the mold of what the Phillies are looking for: a veteran presence who can bring consistency to both the lineup and the outfield.
So far in 2025, Mullins is slashing .226/.320/.446 — numbers that may not leap off the page, but they’re paired with a strong track record, left-handed pop, and solid defense. He also slugged .700 in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, showing he can perform on big stages.
Philadelphia’s interest in Mullins isn’t new, but with Baltimore drifting toward a rebuild, the opportunity to strike may never be better. While no formal offers have been confirmed, it’s believed the Phillies are weighing potential prospect packages, likely involving a controllable young pitcher or a mid-tier minor league bat.
This would not be a blockbuster in the mold of some past deadline splashes, but it could be the kind of savvy midseason move that stabilizes a shaky spot in the lineup. President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski has a history of acting aggressively when he sees a chance to improve a playoff contender — and this may be one of those moments.
If things continue down this path, Mullins could be wearing red pinstripes by the time the calendar flips to July. For Phillies fans hoping to see more consistent production in center field, change might be coming sooner than expected.
