The Baltimore Orioles have some decent prospects when it comes to the outfield, and most O’s fans know about some of them, but most probably don’t know about Cedric Mullins. Despite what some may call ‘small size’, Mullins brings the total package at the plate.
Mullins, 22, was the Orioles’ 13th round draft pick in the 2015 MLB Draft out of Campbell University. Not a big guy at 5’8”, 175 pounds, Mullins still brings the total package to the plate.
First off, he is a switch hitter, which we all know is a valuable asset to have in your lineup. Secondly, even though the Orioles themselves don’t do it much, Mullins can swipe a base with the best of them. In 2016, he stole 30 bases in 36 attempts, and in 2015, he stole 17 bags in 21 attempts. He does not only steal a lot of bases, but does so at a very successful rate (82.4% career success rate).
In addition to being able to switch hit and steal bases, Mullins also possesses surprising overall power despite his stature.
In 2016, Mullins finished second in the entire South Atlantic League in total bases with 240. En route to that impressive number, Mullins recorded a robust 61 extra-base hits in 124 games with the Low-A Delmarva Shorebirds.
It doesn’t really matter how you slice it, 61 extra-base hits is impressive, but let’s consider the fact that Mullins spread the wealth. He recorded double-digits in all three extra-base hit categories by picking up 37 doubles, 10 triples, and 14 home runs.
Another aspect I love about his game is that he is a terrific base runner and when you combine that with his speed, you see a guy score 79 runs in just 124 games.
Mullins is not currently ranked in MLB Pipeline’s top 30 Orioles’ prospects, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t gotten some recognition. MiLB.com named Mullins an Orioles’ organizational All-Star after his phenomenal 2016 season.
We will learn a lot about Mullins in 2017 when he likely starts the year with the High-A Frederick Keys. I’m going to be very interested to see how he does at the plate, and equally as interested to see if his stolen base success rate remains at such a high level.
You may not know who Cedric Mullins is right now, but you will.
By: Josh Michael
Founder/Editor BabyBirdland