The Mullins acquisition solves what has been a thorny centerfield issue for the Mets. Tyrone Taylor is defensively superior but is batting just .201 and has seen his playing time reduced in favor of Jeff McNeil, who, while acquitting himself well enough at the position, is a natural infielder.

For 2025, Mullins is owed the balance of an $8.73 million salary, and he's eligible for free agency this coming offseason. Prior to this trade, Mullins had spent his entire professional career with the Orioles, who first drafted him in the 13th round of the 2015 MLB Draft out of Campbell University.

The Mets are trading for Cedric Mullins from the O's, a source told MLB.com's Anthony DiComo on Thursday, giving them the center-field depth they'd been seeking at the Trade Deadline. The clubs have not confirmed the move.