The New York Mets made their first move as buyers a week ahead of the MLB trade deadline, acquiring Gregory Soto to bolster the bullpen. While trading for more pitchers is very much on the table, New York is reportedly keeping its eye on two American League outfielders to address a long-standing weakness.
According to Jesse Rogers of ESPN, the Mets are “keeping an eye on” Baltimore Orioles center fielder Cedric Mullins, along with Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert.
Related: Latest MLB Trade Rumors, including buzz on Mets
Heading into the Mets game today, the team’s center fielders rank 18th in OPS with a .221/.301/.357 triple-slash line. Tyrone Taylor is outstanding defensively, ranking sixth in Defensive Runs Saved (eight), but his offensive production is well below average (62 OPS+).
Of the two reported Mets trade targets, Mullins seems the likelier to move. The 30-year-old is on an expiring contract, and Baltimore has committed to selling at the trade deadline. Furthermore, Mullins’ comments to reporters over the weekend strongly suggested he knows he’ll be traded this week.
- Cedric Mullins stats (ESPN): .217/.296/.405, .701 OPS, 14 home runs, 15 doubles, 45 RBI
Related: New York Mets Inquired on Trade for Star Pitcher
Mullins, a left-handed hitter, got off to a strong start this season. He posted a .927 OPS with a .278/.412/.515 triple-slash line in his first 119 plate appearances. Over his last 204 plate appearances, he has a .592 OPS with a .191/.234/.358 triple-slash line.
Robert, who has a $20 million club option for the 2026 season, has a .632 OPS this season. However, the 27-year-old has looked better lately, as evidenced by his .926 OPS in July. With that said, Chicago now seems heavily reluctant to move him without receiving a quality prospect in return.
