It will take effort on the part of the San Diego Padres to replace Jason Heyward in left field.
The 35-year-old was placed on the 10-day disabled list on Saturday with an oblique injury, and the Padres have gone with a committee of players to cover the vacancy. It’s expected for them to chase an outfielder from a selling team at the trade deadline.
Cedric Mullins was mentioned by CBS Sports’ R.J. Anderson as a possible Padres target.
“Mullins is in the midst of his most productive season since 2021 (when he finished ninth in MVP Award voting) despite a Baseball Savant page that’s bluer than the Tick,” Anderson said. Throughout his career, he has stolen bases at an 80% clip because he has perfected the technique of tugging the ball in the air, which enables him to outslug his paltry exit velocity. In addition, he has lowered his swing rate to a full-season low and is walking more than usual.
Given how badly the Baltimore Orioles have performed this season, Mullins is anticipated to be traded to a contender. The O’s centerfielder has 10 home runs, 31 RBI, and a.226 batting average going into Thursday. The 30-year-old outfielder has produced a 122 OPS+ which is significantly over league average.
Anderson thinks clubs would prioritize defense when using Mullins, even if he would provide the Padres an offensive boost over what they already have with Heyward.
“What it boils down to, ultimately, is how clubs see his defense, writes Anderson. “A club who believes he’s at least average in center could view him as a comfortably above-average talent nearing his date with free agency.”
General manager AJ Preller would undoubtedly be open to pairing Mullins with Jackson Merrill, a rising sensation. In the event that Merrill needs a day off, Mullins would also provide the lineup greater flexibility.
The Padres wouldn’t have to give up much for the Orioles to trade for Mullins, who will be a free agency at the conclusion of the season.
