Where do the Baltimore Orioles go from here?
After showing to be one of the top teams in Major League Baseball over the past two seasons, the hope was for the Orioles to continue to find success at the highest level.
Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case, and as a result, the Orioles have some tough decisions to make on some pending free agents, including All-Star outfielder Cedric Mullins.
Mullins, who has been with the team for much longer than the rest of the roster, would be wanted around Major League Baseball if the Orioles decided to trade him.
The question would then become what team could use him, and the Atlanta Braves have a clear need for another bat with their offense being average in nearly every important hitting category.
Despite Ronald Acuna Jr. eventually returning, the Braves' offense hasn't been good enough to suggest they don't need to add pieces.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
The Braves could also get creative and DH Acuna to keep him healthy,
Examining trade candidates around Major League Baseball Greg Amsinger of MLB Network believes that Mullins is the second most likely player to be traded around the league, but didn't add a team that could trade for him.
“Number two, look at Cedric Mullin's stats. He's on pace at 36 home runs, driving in 120. His OPS is over .950. He's 30 years old, playing center field. Those stats are almost mirror image the age 30 season of one Ken Griffey Jr., when he was in his first year with the Cincinnati Reds. That's the level Cedric's playing at. He's also on a walk year,” he said.
If the Braves would be interested in sending back an arm or two to the Orioles, this could be a trade that benefits both sides.
Yes, Mullins hits free agency at the end of the year, but the Braves have played much better baseball recently, currently 7-3 over their last 10.
If that continues, they could be looking at a postseason bid.
Mullins, who is currently hitting .278 with a 172 OPS+, would be a monster edition, whether it be in the short or long term.