The San Diego Padres are in second place in the National League West entering play on Tuesday. They are one game out of a wild card spot and 7 1/2 games back of the Los Angeles Dodgers for the division lead.
Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr. have been great for the Padres. However, they are in need of a third outfielder. Jayson Heyward was recently released. CBS Sports’ R.J. Anderson suggested the team could swing a trade for Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles.
“For most of his career, he’s been a skilled defensive center fielder with a feel for stealing bases and for lifting and pulling the ball,” wrote Anderson. “In practice, it’s hard to get a read on his season to date. His topline production remains in line with his typical output, yet his strikeout rate is at career-high levels without corresponding changes to his contact rate.”
Mullins is slashing .212/.293/.408 this year. However, he could still represent an upgrade for the Padres. He has 12 home runs this year, which is more than some of the Padres’ other options.
The Orioles are set up to be sellers at the trade deadline, and Mullins could be one of the first names to go. The former All-Star will be a free agent after the season ends.
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He is set to earn a four-year, $56 million deal in free agency, according to Spotrac. He is the perfect rental option for the Padres. He has a .249/.317/.423 career slash line and 98 home runs.
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