The New York Mets addressed their biggest lineup need ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring center fielder Cedric Mullins from the Baltimore Orioles, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
In return, Baltimore will receive three right-handed pitching prospects: Anthony Nunez (No. 14 per MLB Pipeline), Raimon Gomez (No. 30), and Chandler Marsh.
Mullins, 30, brings speed, defense, and left-handed power to a Mets team that has received minimal offensive production from center field, posting a combined .602 OPS at the position, fourth-worst in MLB. He’s batting .247 with a .738 OPS, 15 homers, 14 steals, and solid defense in 91 games this season. His addition is expected to return Jeff McNeil to the infield and reduce Tyrone Taylor’s playing time after a difficult offensive stretch.
The Mets opted for Mullins over other potential targets, including Harrison Bader and Luis Robert Jr., without sacrificing their top-tier prospects.
Nunez, 24, has impressed as a reliever with a 1.58 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 40 innings this year, while Gomez offers a high-octane arm that’s touched 104 mph, and Marsh has quietly excelled as a multi-inning relief option.
This move comes after the Mets added relievers Gregory Soto, Tyler Rogers, and Ryan Helsley.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].