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The Kansas City Royals' season has not begun as they had envisioned following an appearance in the ALDS last season, but they are far from out on October. The Royals entered Friday on a four-game win streak and are within striking distance of the lead in the American League Central.
Cedric Mullins has been on a tear since opening day, when he hit two home runs against the Blue Jays. The Orioles, however, have not had the start to the season that they had wished after getting swept by the Royals in the Wild Card Series last season. The Orioles are 10-14 and currently sit at the bottom of the AL East.
Mullins is hitting .295 with six home runs on the new campaign and is looking to return his 2021 form, when he made his only career All-Star appearance and won his only Silver Slugger. Mullins has been unable to top the 20 home run mark in the last three seasons, but is well on his way to reaching 30 again.
Mullins is a fit in Kansas City due to their poor outfield options. Kyle Isbel has started strong this season, but he has a history of being underwhelming at the plate. Meanwhile, his compatriots in the corner outfield spots, MJ Melendez and Hunter Renfroe, are hitting under .200. Mullins would be the answer to an offense that, outside of Salvador Perez, Vinnie Pasquantino, and Bobby Witt Jr, is costing the team games due to poor run support.
Mullins would allow the Royals the chance to move on from Isbel in centerfield and, with Jac Caglione lurking in the minor leagues, open the door for the former first-round pick to make his MLB debut. Mullins would certainly see a drop in the power production in Kansas City, but his speed would allow him to use the gaps of Kauffman Stadium to his advantage, working for doubles and triples.
The Orioles aren't dead yet, but if they can't turn around their season soon, expect general manager Mike Elias to work the phones on Mullins' expiring contract. The Royals should be first in line to bend his ear about the veteran centerfielder.
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About the writer
Hunter Mulholland is a Newsweek contributor based in St. Louis, Missouri. His focus is MLB Content. Hunter has been with ... Read more