The New York Mets have reached extra innings against the defending World Series champions for two nights in a row, showing just how close they’ve come to taking baseball’s top spot.
In a 10th inning win on Monday and a 10th inning loss on Tuesday, the Mets have been making their case against the Los Angeles Dodgers. And as they seem to have World Series contention firmly in sight, the trade deadline will be their final opportunity to boost the roster in a significant way and get themselves over the hump.
With that in mind, Bailey Bassett of ClutchPoints proposed a one-for-one swap that would bring in the most coveted bat likely to be on the trade block, Baltimore Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins.
“The Mets would be smart to bring in a better hitting weapon, and Mullins is a rental who fits the bill,” Bassett wrote. “He got off hot in April and already smashed 10 home runs. He is also a speed threat who regularly steals 30-plus bases per season.”
As of now, the Mets have Tyrone Taylor as the primary center fielder, who is a defensive stalwart but hasn’t been bringing much production to the offense. Bassett proposed that the Mets could deal pitching prospect Nolan McLean back to the Orioles in exchange for Mullins.
Mullins is likely to get dealt to a contender as the Orioles fall out of the playoff hunt. Going into Wednesday, they sit in last place in the American League East, a full 14 games back from the first-place division rival New York Yankees.
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
And Mullins is headed into free agency with a projected $56 million contract ahead, per Spotrac, so the Orioles could accept a relatively minor trade return in exchange.
If the Mets are able to swing a trade like this, they would be adding a significant offensive upgrade in the final stretch toward a deep playoff push. Mullins earned an All-Star nod and a Silver Slugger Award in his 2021 campaign with the Orioles.
More MLB: Cubs predicted to cut ties with $30 million 2-time All-Star as soon as possible