Orioles rumors: Baltimore reportedly discussed potential deadline deal with Phillies

The Orioles have several needs at the trade deadline. They need to address their starting rotation and the back end of their bullpen. They could look to deal from their depth in the outfield to get what they need. In fact, they've done just that in recent weeks, but have spoken with an unexpected potential trade partner.

On Thursday, Jim Bowden reported that the Phillies were looking for some help in center field and had been in contact with the Orioles about Cedric Mullins. Bowden even said that Mullins could be a good fit in Philadelphia if he is traded.

"They're looking for the long-term center fielder, two-way guy," Bowden said.

Orioles, Phillies discussed deal for Cedric Mullins

Typically, there aren't many trades that happen between two teams that are buying at the trade deadline. Both the Orioles and Phillies are expected to be aggressive buyers, as they both lead their respective divisions.

But the Orioles are loaded with outfielders. Colton Cowser, Heston Kjerstad, Kyle Stowers, Anthony Santander, and Austin Hays are on the roster in addition to Mullins, and Mullins is having somewhat of a down season.

Still, his value could be high given his track record, and he could be a good fit for the Phillies. While Philadelphia needs outfield help, the Orioles are desperate for some pitching, as Kyle Bradish, Tyler Wells, and John Means are all on the shelf for the remainder of the season.

Perhaps the Orioles could look to target somebody like left-hander Christopher Sanchez, who was an All-Star in the National League. That could give them the rotation help they need but also alleviate the logjam in the outfield. Mullins would be the starter in center field for the Phillies if a deal comes to pass.

It'll be interesting to see if these two teams ultimately can pull off a buyer-to-buyer deal at the deadline. Again, these types of trades are rare, but when they happen, the two teams involved are making need-for-need swaps, so this might give the Orioles the pitching help they need, while also giving Philadelphia some much needed help in the outfield.