Could the O’s move their longest-tenured player this season?

With the Baltimore Orioles struggling out of the gate, rumors are circulating on whether the Birds would make any transactions to salvage the 2025 season.

According to Baltimore Sun sportswriter Jacob Calvin Meyer, if the Orioles are out of the playoff picture, they could trade center fielder Cedric Mullins.

He characterized the front office as “shrewd” and would not rule out any moves they make if the team has no chance of making the postseason.

Would they move Mullins before the trade deadline? Meyer responded in the affirmative.

For example, in 2022, when the Birds were still rebuilding and were two games behind in the wild card race, they traded Trey Mancini and Jorge Lopez. They finished the season in fourth place with an 83-79 record, missing the playoffs.

Another example Meyer used was the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2023 season. Arizona made several trades during the season, made the playoffs, and lost to the Texas Rangers in the World Series.

Meyer concluded it would not surprise him if the O’s traded Mullins at the deadline.

Ryan Ripken responded to Meyer’s comments. The Orioles are currently in panic mode, and Ripken posed several scenarios.

Would you extend players? Would you trade players? Will you get new prospects? Would you rebuild? According to Ripken, making those decisions is way too early in the season.

Cedric Mullins is an Orioles fan favorite few are ready to say goodbye to Mullins is an underrated player and the boo birds try to tear him down because he has not maintained the continuity from his standout 2021 season. He batted .291 with a .518 slugging percentage and a .878 OPS.

Whether Mullins is injured or in a batting slump, he continues to compete to the best of his ability and tries to find ways to help the ball club.

Ripken concludes it would be a mistake if the Orioles traded Mullins. He is the type of player the Orioles should build their culture around.

The notion that the Orioles would make a mistake in trading Mullins is valid. He’s experienced the difficulties of being a Major League Baseball player.

Multiple injuries derailed his 2023 season, but the one-time All-Star has been healthy since and remains a constant in Baltimore’s lineup.

Mullins is a leader for the younger talent struggling on the Orioles’ roster. He is a calm veteran in the clubhouse, an excellent center fielder, and a good clutch hitter.

The Orioles can continue to build a winner around several players, Mullins included.