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Cedric Mullins' return provides gigantic boost to O's defense

Mullins is known for his great defense in center field, but his return also puts his teammates in a better position.
ByBrendan Mortensen|
The Orioles shuffled their outfield with Cedric Mullins back.
The Orioles shuffled their outfield with Cedric Mullins back. | Winslow Townson/GettyImages

Cedric Mullins' return is a welcome sight for the Baltimore Orioles' lineup. The lefty's 10 home runs still lead all Baltimore batters despite his stint on the injured list. Plus, his .885 on-base plus slugging percentage against left-handed pitchers this season provides a huge boost to a lineup that has struggled against lefties overall.

But the biggest boost that Mullins provides may be on the other side of the ball.

Despite not having the strongest arm, Mullins has always been a plus patrolling center field. This season, he ranks in the 83rd percentile in outs above average, according to Statcast. That number hasn't dipped below the 80th percentile since 2020, ranking as high as the 97th percentile in the game a few seasons ago.

Of course, this value at one of the most premium positions on the diamond is a boost in its own right. But Mullins' return bumps Colton Cowser, who had been manning center field in Mullins' absence, back to the corner outfield. There, he's one of the best defenders the sport has to offer.

In his first full season last year, Cowser ranked in the 96th percentile in both outs above average and arm strength, according to Statcast. His eight runs above average in left field were the best among primary left fielders in 2024, double the next best defender.

The duo's range is crucial, especially at Camden Yards, where the outfield dimensions behoove a great tandem in left and center field. Having two center fielders manning those positions certainly helps.

Players returning from injury always have a domino effect. Even beyond Cowser's shift back to left field, Mullins and Ramon Laureano's returns let the Orioles have natural outfielders roaming the grass, allowing players like Ryan O'Hearn and Jorge Mateo, when healthy, to return to their natural positions.

With an offense seeking answers, Baltimore's pitching and defense don't have much margin for error. Mullins' return certainly helps their cause.

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