Five Things To Know About Orioles Prospect Cedric Mullins

By Evan Raigrodski

Coming in at No. 9 on Baseball America’s rankings of the top Baltimore Orioles prospects is outfielder Cedric Mullins. Here are five things to know about the 23-year-old.

1. He was a 13th-round draft pick.

Mullins was drafted by the Orioles in the 13th round out of Campbell University in 2015. 

Despite his status a 13th-round pick, Mullins has risen quickly during his first three years in the Orioles’ system, becoming one of their top-ranked prospects during that time. 

Last year, Mullins hit .265/.319/.460 with 13 home runs, 37 RBIs and nine stolen bases for Double-A Bowie, although he only played in 76 games due to injury. 

2. Mullins projects to be a top-of-the-order batter.

Baseball America lists Mullins as the best athlete, fastest baserunner and best defensive outfielder in the Orioles’ farm system.

Mullins’ 30 stolen bases and 79 runs scored were team bests for Single-A Delmarva in 2016.

He not only has the ability to get on base but is a dynamic baserunner, a quality the Orioles could really use. Baltimore ranked last in all of baseball with 32 stolen bases in 2017.

3. He had a tough time getting recruited out of high school.

Mullins played high school baseball for Brookwood High School in Snellville, Ga., and did not start until his senior year, so he did not receive a lot of college offers. 

He finally received one from Louisburg College, a junior college in Louisburg, N.C. 

Mullins played well there and transferred to Campbell University where he quickly drew attention from MLB scouts.

4. Although he is only 5-foot-8 and 175 pounds, Mullins has surprising power.

Mullins has the shown ability to be much more than a speed guy who can get on base. 

The switch-hitting outfielder has shown improved power from both sides of the plate. In 2016, Mullins hit 14 home runs in 124 games. In 2017, he hit 13 home runs in 76 games. 

Last year in spring training, Mullins hit a homer off Boston Red Sox All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel

5. Mullins has caught the eye of O’s skipper Buck Showalter. 

Mullins had an impressive spring training last year and certainly made an impression on Showalter, who nicknamed him “Cedric the Entertainer.”

Showalter told The Baltimore Sun, “He’s a guy who catches your attention. He’s a good little player. He’s strong. He can do a lot of things. He’s fun to watch.” 

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