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Andrew Wright is a Newsweek contributor based in Lancaster, South Carolina. His focus is MLB content. Andrew has been with Newsweek since April 1st and previously worked at Yardbarker, SEC Unfiltered and more. He is a graduate of Charleston Southern University.
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Just as recently as last season, it looked like the Baltimore Orioles may be atop the AL East for the next eight to 10 seasons. With a young core of players that include Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, Colton Cowser and more, Baltimore had an exciting, young team.
This season, though, a lack of pitching has caused the Orioles to start the year with a 13-20 record and five games out of first place in their division. Because of the slow start and no real reason to believe that the pitching will come around, Baltimore could find itself as a seller at the trade deadline.
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A player that has already been floated as a potential trade piece is centerfielder Cedric Mullins. Mullins has spent all eight seasons of his career with the Orioles, and he is set to be a free agent after the season, making him a prime trade target.
Mullins has cooled off over the last week or so, but he is still hitting a solid .255 with seven home runs, 21 RBIs and an OPS of .870 in 110 at-bats. If he is able to maintain that pace, he will certainly find himself on the trade block in mid-July.
A team that could use an upgrade in the outfield is the Cincinnati Reds, especially after leftfielder Tyler Callahan was injured on Monday in the Reds’ game against the Atlanta Braves. Cincinnati ranks 12th in Wins Above Average at all three outfield spots and the addition of Mullins could certainly help improve in that department.
Because of Mullins being under contract for only the remainder of this season, Cincinnati could likely send over a below-average trade package that included only one prospect inside its top 30.
No. 18 prospect Ethan O’Donnell could be a name to watch, as well as No. 22 prospect Adolfo Sanchez. Either one of those two outfield prospects would be a nice return for Baltimore if it decides to move off Mullins.
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