Reds must ignore Cedric Mullins' trade buzz and deal for this Orioles player instead

The Cincinnati Reds’ addition of Garrett Hampson may have been questionable, but it at least indicates that the front office recognizes a need for improvement. (Though the step Nick Krall and the rest of the Cincy brass took was met with jeers.) With the Baltimore Orioles massively underperforming, perhaps the Reds will have an opportunity to make a more substantial and sensible move to bolster the outfield.

Much of the Orioles’ trade buzz will likely revolve around Cedric Mullins. He’s a power bat in his contract year, but he’s a left-handed bat prone to streakiness much like Will Benson and Gavin Lux. Instead, the Reds should train their eyes on the right-handed hitting Ramón Laureano.

The Reds should buck trade rumors and pursue Orioles outfielder Ramón Laureano instead of Cedric Mullins

Laureano is having a career year in Baltimore after enjoying a resurgence with the Atlanta Braves in 2024. Some of his success could be attributed to Camden Yards’ new dimensions, but he has improved virtually every area of his hitting approach, lowering his strikeout rate, increasing his walks, and substantially improving his hard-hit rate.

The Reds have struggled against lefties this season, hitting .206/.297/.326 as a team. Laureano holds a .796 career OPS against southpaws. (Mullins’ OPS against lefties is .654.) Even if he were to platoon with Benson or Lux, Laureano is a marked improvement over Connor Joe.

Another factor that might push Baltimore to make a move is its farm system. One of the Orioles’ top prospects could be coming for Laureano’s job. Dylan Beavers has been doing it all for Triple-A Norfolk and may be ready to take on the big leagues by the trade deadline. Laureano is on a $4 million contract and has a club option for 2026, making him a perfect low-cost option for the penny-pinching Reds.

Laureano can hold his own in the outfield. He has a tremendous arm, and though his range has become more limited as he entered his 30s, he can serviceably field all three outfield positions. He also has decent speed and ranks ninth among 30-year-old players in sprint speed.

Laureano wouldn’t solve all of the Reds’ offensive woes, but he would be a solid addition to a team that needs right-handed power. As the trade deadline nears, Krall and Co. should be keeping a close eye on the outfielders of the O’s.

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