From Leadoff to Lineup Anchor: Mullins New Role Fuels Orioles
The start of a new baseball season comes with renewed hope for certain players to have a resurgent year after experiencing the anticipated MLB struggles that almost every big leaguer faces at some point in their career. For the Orioles, that player is veteran outfielder Cedric Mullins. The 30-year-old has emerged as the early engine of the Baltimore Orioles’ offense in 2025, delivering his best start since his breakout 2021 campaign. After two challenging seasons in 2023 and 2024, where he hit below .240, failed to reach 20 homers, and struck out a combined 199 times, Mullins has rebounded with authority. As of mid-April, Mullins leads the Orioles in every significant offensive category, including a .308 batting average, four home runs, 17 RBIs, and a 1.089 OPS. His resurgence at the plate has been matched by a renewed sense of confidence and health, with manager Brandon Hyde noting, “This is the best I’ve seen Ced play in a while now,” Hyde said. “He’s playing with a ton of fire and energy, and his defense is fantastic.”
The importance Mullins brings to the Orioles extends beyond his offensive numbers. Defensively, the eighth-year starter remains an elite presence in center field, anchoring an outfield that has experienced its share of instability. His ability to cover ground and make difficult plays provides much-needed stability for Baltimore’s pitching staff, especially as the team navigates injuries and early-season inconsistencies. At the plate, Mullins has shifted from his traditional role as a leadoff hitter or lineup table-setter for Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman to now hitting in the heart of the order, a testament to his hot start and the trust placed in him by the coaching staff. This adjustment by Hyde has allowed Mullins to drive in runs and set the tone for sluggers like Henderson, Rutschman, and others, rather than simply getting on base ahead of them.
As the Orioles battle through offensive inconsistency, currently ranking in the bottom half of MLB in both batting average and on-base percentage, Mullins’ ability to reach base, hit for power, and spark rallies is more crucial than ever. His performance thus far in 2025 is reminiscent of his historic 2021 season, when he became the first Orioles player to join the 30/30 club with 30 home runs and at least 30 stolen bases. If Mullins can maintain his health and continue producing at this level, he will remain a linchpin for the Orioles’ lineup. He’ll also be a key factor in Baltimore’s quest to stabilize its offense and contend in the AL East.
