Baltimore Orioles: A Trio Of Outfielders Looking For A Big 2020

Cedric Mullins can still provide value for the Baltimore Orioles.

The outfield should be an improved unit in 2020, with Austin Hays patrolling center field and Anthony Santander sticking to a corner outfield spot instead of being pushed into center field duties, but the Orioles still need a plan B in place in case injuries continue to be an issue for Hays.

Mason Williams was brought back on another minor league deal after a solid season in Triple-A for the Orioles in 2019, but Mike Elias still wants to add another veteran center fielder to come in and compete in spring training.

Cedric Mullins has an opportunity in front of him to win a reserve outfield role out of camp, if the late-season version of Mullins shows up. The 25-year-old switch-hitter hit .094 with a wRC+ of -12 in 22 games at the major league level before being sent to Triple-A to work on his game. Things didn’t go well for him there either.

With the Tides, Mullins hit .205 with a wRC+ of 46 and was demoted, once again, after 66 games in Norfolk. His time in Bowie was productive and after looking lost at the plate with body language that spoke volumes about how his 2019 was going, a re-energized Mullins appeared.

Mullins hit .271 with a near 10% walk rate, a 13.7% strikeout rate, and a wRC+ of 118, providing offensive help during Bowie’s playoff run in the Eastern League. The big question now is whether or not Mullins can get back to the big leagues and prove his doubters wrong.

We can rightfully question his bat, but his speed and defensive abilities are attractive. With an extra roster spot available beginning next year, a guy who can play all three outfield positions and swipe a base late in games is a huge bonus (swiped a combined 34 bags last year).

Hopefully, after some time at a private training facility and a personalized offseason program, the exciting and fun-loving Mullins many took a liking to returns.