Cedric Mullins was the lone offensive player the Mets acquired before the trade deadline, but he fills a massive need for the team.
New York needed a left-handed outfielder with speed, defense and an improved bat, and that's exactly what Mullins gives the Mets. He also gives them plenty of other attributes that he listed while speaking with the New York media for the first time as a Met.
"[The Mets are] a good fit. For me, I’m just trying to be myself and bring the type of game I know I can bring," Mullins said before Friday's series opener against the Giants at Citi Field. "Bunch of different stuff, using my legs, running, stealing bases, playing solid defense, showing a little bit of power here and there, bunts, just a little bit of everything."
Mullins arrived at Citi Field 15 minutes prior to speaking with the media in the home dugout. He took batting practice, met his new teammates and wanted to get used to his new environment.
He described his last 24 hours as "hectic," as he tried to figure out the logistics to get to Queens after the trade deadline.
Mullins, who spent his entire eight-year career with Baltimore, even being drafted by them, said the whole trade process was hard to describe but he understood the business side of why the Orioles moved him. They were a below-.500 team and he was on an expiring contract.
"I’ve been in Baltimore my entire career, even since being drafted. That’s part of the business, but overall feeling is excitement," Mullins said.
He later added, "[The trade was] somewhat to be expected, just understanding the business side of the game. I just didn’t know where it might be. New York’s a great place to land."
The Mets also hope it's a great place for Mullins as he arrives, tearing it up offensively. Over his last 15 games, Mullins is slashing .306/.321/.531 with two home runs and eight RBI to go along with some highlight-reel catches in the outfield.
When he was asked what's been working for him lately, Mullins said it took some time, but he figured out certain moves he needed to make.
"Keying on a couple of adjustments I’ve been working on for a little bit," he said. "Sometimes it’s a challenge to figure out what to work on specifically. I think I found it, and it’s been giving me good results."
As for his role with the Mets, manager Carlos Mendoza intimated before the game that Mullins will see the bulk of the starts in center field. That's likely because the left-handed Mullins has hit southpaws very well this season. He's hitting .298 with three home runs and six doubles this season against lefties.
The reason for that spike actually dates back to the offseason.
"Just seeing the ball better overall. I had issues picking up spins," he said. "Adjustments in the offseason helped with that."
Mullins hoped he could bring a championship to Baltimore, especially the last few seasons when the Orioles were at the top of the American League, but what does he hope to bring to a Mets team with similar championship aspirations?
"Bringing a ring back to the city, that’s what it’s all about," he said. "We go out there, have fun, but we want championships and this is a great opportunity to do so."
Mullins was activated for Friday's game but will be on the bench against the Giants.
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