Report: Red Sox Division Rival Trades All-Star To National League

The Boston Red Sox have watched two of their American League competitors make a significant trade splash on Thursday, but another remains an active seller before the trade deadline.

The Baltimore Orioles moved another veteran piece hours before the 6 p.m. ET deadline. Baltimore is sending outfielder Cedric Mullins to the New York Mets for prospects Raimon Gomez, Anthony Nunez and Chandler Marsh, per MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo.

Mullins has spent his entire eight-year career in Baltimore, breaking out with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases as an All-Star in 2019. He’s remained a solid source of power and speed, tallying 15 homers and 14 steals with a .222/.305/.433 slash line this season.

The Red Sox probably won’t mind seeing Mullins move to the National League, as he’s batted .276/.350/.463 in 87 career games against them.

Mullins gives the Mets an offensive upgrade over Tyrone Taylor and a defensive boost over Jeff McNeil, who started 24 games at center field this season. It’s the second time the Mets and Orioles struck a deal in the last week; Baltimore sent left-handed relief pitcher Gregory Soto to New York on Friday.

The Orioles are reportedly moving two more bats to a different NL contender. Per multiple reports, including FanSided’s Robert Murray and ESPN’s Jeff Passan, they’re trading Ryan O’Hearn and Ramon Laureano to the San Diego Padres.

O’Hearn could have helped the Red Sox at first base, but they could still work with their division foe to acquire a veteran starting pitcher such as Charlie Morton.