Orioles fan favorite finds worst possible AL East rival to try for career rebound

There was a time when Cedric Mullins was thought to be an integral part of the Baltimore Orioles' future. In addition to being a dynamic playmaker in the outfield, Mullins' 2021 season which he posted an .878 OPS, made the All-Star team, and finished ninth in AL MVP voting, put him on quite a trajectory. However, as most fans already know, Mullins' time in Baltimore was not meant to last.

As his hit tool waned and his offensive slumps stretched into months, Mullins was obviously no longer in Baltimore's long-term plans. After much deliberation, the Orioles traded Mullins to the Mets at the trade deadline last season, and most Baltimore fans thought that would be the last they heard from him.

However, Mullins popped back on Baltimore's radar on Wednesday, but not in the way you would think as the Rays signed Mullins to a one-year deal.

Cedric Mullins tries to land back on his feet after signing a one-year pact with the Rays

So, there are a couple of ways to look at this. Mullins played his brains out for the Orioles, and while his numbers with the Mets were not good, most Baltimore fans do want Mullins to succeed, even though things didn't work out here. It also isn't like the Orioles would want Mullins back in their outfield anyway.

However, that it is the Rays picking Mullins up that is particularly concerning here. Say what you want to about how they conduct their finances, but Tampa knows how the evaluate and get the most out of talent. That they see something of value in Mullins despite his struggles has all the makings of a revenge tale that could haunt the Orioles in the division next season.

Again, it isn't like Mullins was ever really in play for a reunion, and it is unlikely the Rays had to come up with much cash to sign him. However, don't be shocked if we look back on this move and wonder what the Orioles missed with Mullins after all those years.