The Philadelphia Phillies are a team with one goal in mind: a World Series ring.
Having been in firm control of the National League East division for most of the season, the Phillies know they will have a ticket to October. But to finish the job they came oh-so-close to doing the past two postseasons, they know they'll need some help.
The Major League Baseball trade deadline is quickly approaching, and the Phillies could end up major players. In fact, one national insider says they're already making a high volume of calls.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic was a guest on an MLB Network Radio show on Thursday afternoon. During his appearance, he reported that the Phillies are aggressively pursuing center field help at this year's deadline.
"They're looking for the long-term center fielder, two-way guy," Bowden said.
One might expect that the Phillies would be pursuing center fielders from last-place teams who are expecting to be sellers at the deadline. But surprisingly, that hasn't always been the case
"They've talked to the Baltimore Orioles about Cedric Mullins," Bowden said of the Phillies. "(He) might be a nice fit there."
Given that the Orioles are in first place in the American League East, it might sound crazy for them to deal their longtime starting center fielder. But Mullins has had a down year, and the Orioles are loaded in the outfield.
Mullins, a career .738 OPS hitter, is down to .629 this season. His usually stellar defense has also dropped off slightly, making him a much less productive all-around player.
Meanwhile, Baltimore has rookies Colton Cowser, Heston Kjerstad, and Kyle Stowers all battling for starting roles in their outfield, flanked by 2024 All-Star Anthony Santander and 2023 All-Star Austin Hays. At some point, there are too many bodies.
Mullins is one of the longest-tenured Orioles, and it would surely be painful for some in Baltimore to see him lead. His experience and leadership could be a boon to Philadelphia, though, and sometimes players simply need a change of scenery.
Philadelphia hasn't had a consistent center fielder all season, due to the offensive struggles of Opening Day starter Johan Rojas. Whether it's Mullins or another trade piece, it would drastically increase the Phillies' title odds to have a stalwart anchoring their outfield.
The Phillies and Orioles will have until July 30 to make up their minds not only about a Mullins trade, but any and all trades to improve their respective outlooks. The official deadline is 6 p.m. EST.
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