DONE DEAL: Phillies Land $56 Million Center Field Slugger Cedric Mullins in Blockbuster Trade to Bolster Playoff Push.
PHILADELPHIA, PA
In a bold move that signals their clear intention to contend deep into October, the Philadelphia Phillies have officially acquired star center fielder Cedric Mullins in a high-profile trade that is already making waves across Major League Baseball. The deal, finalized late Tuesday evening, brings the dynamic $56 million slugger to Citizens Bank Park, injecting speed, power, and elite defense into an already potent Phillies lineup.
Mullins, 30, arrives from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for a package of prospects and financial considerations, as confirmed by both teams early Wednesday. The move underscores Philadelphia’s all-in approach to the 2025 season, aiming to shore up their outfield production and energize a team currently sitting just outside the top of the National League East standings.
“Cedric is a game-changer,” said Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski. “He brings an electrifying presence to the top of our lineup, he’s a Gold Glove-caliber defender, and most importantly, he plays to win. This is the kind of move that championship teams make.”
Mullins, known for his elite speed and switch-hitting prowess, is fresh off a season where he batted .278 with 22 home runs, 76 RBIs, and 34 stolen bases. Over the last three seasons, he has emerged as one of the premier center fielders in the game, combining flashy glove work with clutch hitting and a fearless approach at the plate.
In return, the Orioles received two of the Phillies’ top-five prospects: right-handed pitcher Justin Crawford and outfielder Gabriel Rincones Jr., along with international signing bonus money. While the deal represents a significant investment in the Phillies’ immediate future, many analysts view it as a necessary gamble in a tightly packed National League.
“Philadelphia just sent a message to the rest of the league — they’re not waiting for the future, they’re chasing a ring right now,” said MLB Network analyst and former GM Jim Bowden. “Adding a player of Mullins’ caliber gives them a legitimate shot at a deep playoff run.”
Mullins is expected to slot into the leadoff spot and anchor center field defensively. His arrival adds firepower to a lineup featuring Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and J.T. Realmuto — a group now regarded as one of the most formidable in baseball.
The Phillies, who fell just short of the World Series in 2023 and stumbled in the NLDS in 2024, are under pressure to capitalize on their competitive window. With the addition of Mullins and a strong rotation led by Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, the club looks poised to make its strongest championship push yet.
Cedric Mullins will be introduced at a press conference at Citizens Bank Park later this week.
