A chain can be broken by a single weak link. Center field is currently that link for the New York Mets.
Tyrone Taylor has been forced into a role that is almost daily due to Jose Siri’s absence. With a.253 slugging percentage over his last 30 games, Taylor’s hitting has become obscured while his glove has shone in the outfield.
It’s getting harder to ignore the run-producing hole that has appeared directly in the center of the diamond.
The offensive shortfall in center field continues to haunt a postseason-bound Mets club, like an incessant smoke detector. But assistance might only be a phone call away.
At the worst moment, Tyrone Taylor’s bat is cooling out.
Taylor has always played defense first, and he deserves praise for his self-assured and stylish center field patrols. But with every at-bat, the problems at the plate are becoming more audible.
His 2025 wRC+ is 81, which is considerably below average and indicates that he shouldn’t be starting on a regular basis.
Although his lifetime record of 98 wRC+ indicates that he has often been closer to average, this season presents a more concerning image.
Given how dominant the Mets are in the very tough National League, every position in the lineup must be productive. At the dish, Taylor has just failed to live up to his end of the agreement.
Cedric Mullins might have an offensive effect right away.
The Mets require a spark, not just a stand-in player. Cedric Mullins comes on.
The Mets could use a two-way threat like the former All-Star of the Baltimore Orioles. Despite being on the injured list at the moment due to a hamstring strain, Mullins is anticipated to return shortly because the injury is deemed minor.
Mullins is a game-changer when healthy. He was a 30-30 player only a few years ago, but he’s back to his old form in 2025, already recording a 121 wRC+, 10 home runs, and eight stolen bases.
A significant improvement would result from that kind of output from the center field position.
The attacking difference between the two is substantial and may potentially change the course of the season, even though Taylor could be the better defender.
The Mets’ World Series ceiling might be unlocked by a trade.
Tim Britton, Chelsea Sherrod, and Joe DeMayo discussed why a Mullins trade would be so logical on SNY’s Mets Off Day.
DeMayo highlighted how the trade would enable Taylor to move into a fourth outfield position, which he might be more suited for, in addition to the improvement Mullins offers.
Although Taylor has always had a low offensive ceiling, his normally secure floor is now collapsing. The Mets front office might take action as a result of that cold stretch.
Mullins’ addition might alter the lineup’s dynamic. The goal is to balance Taylor’s glove with a bat that can truly cause pitchers to perspire, not to replace it.
The Mets shouldn’t be alarmed by the cost of acquiring Mullins.
Another advantage for the Mets is that Mullins is a rental.
The Orioles won’t be demanding a king’s ransom because he will be eligible for free agency at the end of the season. This is a unique low-risk, high-reward situation for a Mets team with an obvious need and postseason potential.
The Mets’ postseason bite is strengthened by the addition of a player like Mullins.
Let’s face it, Siri has his own offensive question marks, but he will return someday.
The Mets have to face themselves one straightforward question as the deadline draws near: How far can we really go with an empty bat in center field?
They may need to include Cedric Mullins in the solution if they want “October baseball” to be a part of that response.
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