Cedric Mullins

Mullins didn't do much to separate himself from a large group of fringy outfielders in Baltimore, but he at least looked like a legitimate big-leaguer, something that couldn't be taken for granted after he hit a miserable .094/.181/.156 in 22 games in 2019. His .271/.315/.407 slash line this time around was good for a still below-average 95 wRC+, but when combined with good speed (seven steals) and roughly average defense in center, that's a useful enough player. Role questions remain for Mullins, however, as other Oriole outfielders also took steps forward. Additionally, there are questions about whether he can maintain his 2020 level. His 24.2 K% and 5.2 BB% showed poor plate discipline, and he had an awful 2.8% barrel rate. Statcast hated his quality of contact, giving him a .209 xBA and .296 xSLG. Despite his wheels and respectable numbers, Mullins still has work to do to prove he's an everyday player.

Mullins drew the start in center field on Opening Day and appeared to have a handle on the starting job, but after opening the year 6-for-64 with four RBI and 14 strikeouts over the first 22 contests, he was demoted to Triple-A Norfolk where he continued to struggle. The 25-year-old slashed .205/.272/.306 with a 46 wRC+, and a low 5.4 BB% negating a 16.7 K% over 66 games. Ultimately, the O's demoted Mullins again, this time to Double-A Bowie in mid-July. He finally saw his bat come to life while with the Baysox, but this certainly isn't how Mullins saw the 2019 campaign playing out. Even so, he'll likely have a shot to redeem himself during spring training and could wind up once again making Baltimore's Opening Day roster. Whether he'll be able to earn regular work remains to be seen, but it should be considered a long shot, especially after Austin Hays showed promise near the end of the 2019 season.

Mullins made his big-league debut and took over the starting job in center field from Adam Jones in early August, starting hot with a .317/.386/.566 slash line through the end of the month. Things changed quickly as the young outfielder began to struggle in September and finished the season in a 2-for-33 slump. He has kept relatively low strikeout (15.2%) and walk rates (7.2%) through his time in the minors, and trended similarly during his seven weeks in the majors. The 24-year-old has shown modest power but was hurt in 2018 with a mere 12.1% line-drive rate, which ranked third-worst in the majors among players with at least 100 PA. Mullins has a chance to post a 15-15 season with regular work, which should be easy to find on an Orioles roster that is really lacking in big-league caliber outfielders. He finished last season as Baltimore's leadoff hitter and should reprise that role this year.