Analyzing a potential Orioles-Phillies trade involving Cedric Mullins

The Baltimore Orioles find themselves in an unexpected position. They won 91 games last year and were coming off two straight postseason appearances. However, the team has fallen flat in 2025 and is now 28-40. That's good for last place in the AL East and the third-worst record in the American League.

As a result, the Orioles are probably going to sell rather than buy. Plenty of pieces on the roster have expiring contracts.

Recently, Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report listed Cedric Mullins as a trade piece. Mullins will certainly generate interest from contending teams.

"With a pro-rated salary of slightly less than $3 million for the final two months of the season, (Mullins) could well become the most coveted rental on this year's trade block—especially with the Mets, Phillies, Guardians and perhaps a few others interested in adding a center fielder this summer," Miller said.

The teams listed could be good fits for Mullins. But when you look at what the Orioles are lacking, the Phillies are probably the best trade partner.

Think about it. The Orioles lost Corbin Burnes in free agency. The moves they made to boost their pitching staff haven't panned out, and they don't have a lot in the system, which is why this hypothetical trade with the Phillies makes sense.

An Orioles-Phillies trade centered around Cedric Mullins

The Phillies need help in the outfield, as Brandon Marsh, while still a threat at the plate, hasn't panned out as their center fielder. Mullins gives Philadelphia a powerful bat and some better defense.

The 30-year-old has struggled at the plate, hitting just .230, but he has 10 home runs, and playing for a contender could help reignite his bat.

The Orioles would receive two Major League-ready pitching prospects. Abel has made three appearances with the Phillies this year and has a 2.35 ERA, proving he is ready for the majors.

Johnson has made just one MLB appearance this year, allowing one run in two innings of relief. The former Orioles prospect was converted to a reliever earlier this season. He has a 4.89 ERA in 18 Triple-A games (four starts). Johnson succeeded as a starter in Baltimore's system, posting a 2.63 ERA in 18 starts with Double-A Bowie last season before being traded in July.

While nothing will save the Orioles from their fate in 2025, they can at least pick up two promising young arms that can plug into their pitching staff almost immediately. This could set Baltimore up well for 2026 and beyond as it tries to bounce back from 2025.

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