X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Cedric Mullins - Budding Star or Flash in the Pan?

Welcome to my first article at RotoBaller. I am humbled to be allowed to write with this incredible team of writers and editors. Please enjoy, and I hope this helps you win with your fantasy teams.

One of the fantasy breakout players and MVP candidates this season is Baltimore Orioles center fielder Cedric Mullins. He has been on fire lately, exhibiting high average, power, and speed this season. Mullins is stuffing the stat sheet for fantasy managers despite leading off in a weak Orioles lineup. 

Fantasy managers are always looking for the next star. So is Mullins a budding star or just a flash in the pan? 

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball draft tools and resources:

 

Prospect Pedigree

Cedric Mullins was categorized as a speed and on-base type with a great work ethic as he progressed through the Orioles minor league system. He was regarded as a dynamic baserunner, and his power was improving from both sides of the plate.

In 2018, Orioles center fielder Adam Jones’s contract expired, and the team decided not to resign Jones. His exit left the door wide open for a particular speedy prospect having a clear shot at the starting job.

The switch-hitting Mullins played sparingly and struggled in his first two seasons with the Orioles, batting .197 in 67 games. The Orioles finally saw flashes of Mullins’ potential at the big-league level in 2020. Mullins played 48 games in the COVID shortened season in 2020. He started to hit for average and showed growth in slashing .271/.315/.407 along with a .723 OPS.

 

The Turnaround

Mullins started to rework his swing coming into the season and discovered that he would ditch switch-hitting. The splits bear this out while hitting from the left side. He slashed .305/.348/.448 with a .796 OPS, which is backed by a .390 BABIP. In sharp contrast, the 26-year-old outfielder slashed .171/.216/.286  with a measly .502 OPS and a brutal .217 BABIP while batting right-handed.

The acknowledgment of the switch to a full-time left-handed hitter has produced one of the breakout fantasy players in 2021. Mullins is slashing .315/.388/.514 with an MLB top 15 3.0 WAR and a 158 OPS+. He is second in the American League with 81 hits, one hit behind Vladimir Guerrero while scoring 36 runs, smacking nine home runs, and stealing 12 bases.

Mullins came out of spring training on fire, hitting .337/.387/.545 and .932 OPS with four homers in April. However, many fantasy managers still had reservations about this type of consistent elite production from the Orioles outfielder. The doubts exploded after his numbers took a massive dive in May, slashing .255/.336/.396 with two homers but did steal six bases.

His April numbers were not sustainable but were the May numbers a sign of things to come? Mullins answered with a resounding "NO!". He picked up where he left off when the calendar turned to June.

In 14 games this month, he is raking .426/.516/.815 with a 1.330 OPS with five home runs, and he swiped four bases. It's time to get back on the Mullins fantasy bandwagon.

 

Conclusion

Should fantasy managers trust Baltimore Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins?

I maintain that his breakout is the result of Mullins running more and hitting for increased power. His BABIP is high this season at .373, an improvement over his .350 last season. He is making more solid contact, as evidenced by his truly balanced batting distribution data with a 21% line drive rate and 40% fly-ball rate. Combine that data with his 38% hard-hit rate, and the breakout is legitimate.

Mullins has also greatly improved his plate discipline, producing his career's best walk and strikeout rates. He has lowered his strikeout rate to 18.3%, and his 7.2 SwStr% ranks in the top 10 among MLB outfielders while providing a power/speed combination that fantasy managers should target.

As you dig deeper, some fantasy managers may question his ability to sustain his current hit tool. His  .315 current batting average has to be examined, which is a career-high mark, and he is dramatically overperforming that number with a .271 xBA. His  .422 xSLG is also a far cry from his current .514 SLG.

However, suppose Mullins finishes as a 20/20 hitter who hits .270, although it's highly doubtful he loses 40-plus points on his batting average. In that case, Mullins is still going to be a must-start outfielder in your fantasy lineups.

Mullins also benefits from hitting in Camden Yards, slashing .350/.426/.618 with six home runs and 10 RBI, and an impressive 1.043 OPS. On the other hand, the left hand hitting Mullins is hitting .284/.351/.418 with three homers and nine RBI away from Baltimore.

His fantasy stock continues to climb as Mullins is now a top-30 outfielder, and if you are not buying now, you are neglecting a productive fantasy starting outfielder in 12-team leagues. Fantasy managers should buy into Mullins, at least for the 2021 season. He is for real based on his stolen base potential and improved batting eye, making him a necessary fantasy commodity.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

De'Andre Hunter18 mins ago

Returns To Action Against Grizzlies
Jaren Jackson Jr.19 mins ago

Returning On Friday
Mason Adams22 mins ago

Exits With Elbow Injury
Stephon Castle26 mins ago

Joins Starting Lineup Friday
Tristan da Silva35 mins ago

Starting Versus Minnesota
Will Klein36 mins ago

Optioned To Triple-A Tacoma
Kai Jones37 mins ago

Out Against Rockets
Simi Fehoko39 mins ago

Signing With Cardinals
Dante Exum41 mins ago

Playing Friday Against Houston
Cory Joseph42 mins ago

Starting Again On Friday Night
Kylen Granson42 mins ago

Headed To Philadelphia
P.J. Washington45 mins ago

Remains On The Shelf Friday
Jared Shuster46 mins ago

Optioned To Triple-A
Sterling Shepard49 mins ago

Remaining With Buccaneers
José Buttó53 mins ago

Jose Butto Dealing With Groin Injury
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope55 mins ago

Resting Against Timberwolves
Cincinnati Bengals57 mins ago

Bengals Not Ruling Out Trey Hendrickson Extension
Cole Anthony1 hour ago

Unavailable Friday
Wenceel Pérez1 hour ago

Wenceel Perez Receives Injection, Expected To Be Ready For Opening Day
Brandon Williams1 hour ago

Good To Go On Friday
Jose Trevino1 hour ago

Exits Early On Friday
Cooper Kupp1 hour ago

Signing With Seahawks
Trae Young1 hour ago

Good To Go Against Clippers
Ben Simmons1 hour ago

Available For Friday's Matchup With Atlanta
Kristaps Porzingis1 hour ago

Remains Out On Friday
Jake Cronenworth1 hour ago

Not Expected To Play First Base
Justin Edwards2 hours ago

Out Against The Pacers
Al Horford2 hours ago

Available Against Heat
Lance McCullers Jr.2 hours ago

To Make Grapefruit League Debut On Tuesday
Derrick White2 hours ago

Cleared For Action Friday
Giancarlo Stanton2 hours ago

Dealing With Minor Calf Injury
Jayson Tatum2 hours ago

Ready To Rock Friday
Alex Reese2 hours ago

Cleared To Face The Pacers
Jacob deGrom2 hours ago

Throws In Minor-League Game On Friday
Jaylen Brown2 hours ago

Sits Out Friday's Game
Kelly Oubre Jr.2 hours ago

Won't Play On Friday
Wilyer Abreu2 hours ago

To Make Spring Debut On Saturday, Could Be Ready For Opening Day
Grayson Rodriguez2 hours ago

Should Begin Throwing Progression Next Week
Karel Vejmelka2 hours ago

Makes Ninth Consecutive Start Friday
Kyle Wright2 hours ago

Hoping To Face Live Hitters Next Week
Dustin Wolf2 hours ago

Set To Face Avalanche Friday
Mikael Backlund2 hours ago

Out Week-To-Week
Alec Marsh2 hours ago

Continues To Build Up His Arm
Bobby Witt Jr.2 hours ago

Does Some Hitting On Friday
Sam Colangelo2 hours ago

Deemed Day-To-Day With An Upper-Body Injury
Sean Burke3 hours ago

To Open Season In Starting Rotation
Michael Bunting3 hours ago

A Game-Time Call Friday
Dallas Cowboys3 hours ago

Dante Fowler Jr. Heading Back To Cowboys
Yandy Díaz3 hours ago

Yandy Diaz Has Club Option Picked Up
Andrei Svechnikov3 hours ago

Expected To Return Next Week
Brandon Nimmo3 hours ago

Should Be Ready For Opening Day
Nikolaj Ehlers3 hours ago

Good To Go Against Stars
Mike Clevinger3 hours ago

Expected To Get Save Chances
Buffalo Bills3 hours ago

Larry Ogunjobi, Michael Hoecht Both Facing Six-Game PED Suspensions
Parker Meadows3 hours ago

To Open Season On Injured List
Carlos Rodón3 hours ago

Carlos Rodon Named Opening Day Starter
Tee Higgins4 hours ago

Bengals Making Headway On Contracts For Tee Higgins, Ja'Marr Chase
Ben Skowronek4 hours ago

Back With Steelers
Minnesota Vikings4 hours ago

Eric Wilson Returns To Minnesota
Pharaoh Brown5 hours ago

Heading To Miami
Minnesota Vikings5 hours ago

Justin Skule Signs With Vikings
Mackenzie Blackwood5 hours ago

Battling Illness, Not Starting On Friday
Rasmus Ristolainen6 hours ago

Day-To-Day With Upper-Body Injury
Lian Bichsel6 hours ago

Not Playing On Friday
Josh Norris6 hours ago

Undergoing Evaluation
JJ Peterka6 hours ago

Not Playing On Saturday
Neal Pionk6 hours ago

Viewed As Week-To-Week
Kareem Hunt6 hours ago

Chiefs Bring Back Kareem Hunt On One-Year Deal
Philadelphia Eagles6 hours ago

Eagles Open To Trading Bryce Huff
Cooper Kupp7 hours ago

Asking For $15 Million Per Year
Christian Kirk7 hours ago

Texans Restructure Christian Kirk's Contract
Rondale Moore7 hours ago

Visiting With Vikings
Bailey Zappe7 hours ago

Chiefs Re-Sign Bailey Zappe
Tim Patrick7 hours ago

Lions Re-Sign Tim Patrick
Roman Dolidze11 hours ago

Set For A Rematch
Marvin Vettori11 hours ago

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Cooper Kupp11 hours ago

Cowboys Not Considered Favorites For Cooper Kupp
Chidi Njokuani11 hours ago

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Laviska Shenault Jr.11 hours ago

Signing With Bills
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos11 hours ago

Looks For His 12th UFC Win
Kurt Holobaugh11 hours ago

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 104
Alexander Hernandez12 hours ago

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Cody Gibson12 hours ago

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Da'Mon Blackshear12 hours ago

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 104
Quinton Byfield12 hours ago

Scores In Fifth Straight Game
Jesper Bratt13 hours ago

Posts Second Straight Three-Point Performance
Brendson Ribeiro13 hours ago

Searching For Second UFC Win On Saturday
Tristan Jarry13 hours ago

Picks Up Third Straight Victory
Diyar Nurgozhay13 hours ago

Set To Make His UFC Debut
Adin Hill13 hours ago

Shuts The Door On Blue Jackets On Thursday
MMA13 hours ago

Seung Woo Choi In Dire Need Of Victory
Sam Bennett13 hours ago

Strikes Twice In Victory
Brady Tkachuk13 hours ago

Suffers Minor Injury On Thursday
Kevin Vallejos13 hours ago

Makes Debut At UFC Vegas 104
Charlie Lindgren1 day ago

Gets The Nod Against Kings Thursday
Filip Gustavsson1 day ago

Starts Against Rangers Thursday
Jacob Bridgeman2 days ago

Use Caution For Jacob Bridgeman At TPC Sawgrass
Nicolai Hojgaard2 days ago

Looks To Stay Consistent Heading Into PLAYERS Championship
Karl Vilips2 days ago

Makes PLAYERS Championship Debut After First PGA Tour Win
Taylor Pendrith2 days ago

A Sneaky Play At TPC Sawgrass
Sahith Theegala2 days ago

Out Of Form Ahead Of The PLAYERS Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick2 days ago

A Shaky Play Heading Into PLAYERS
Scottie Scheffler2 days ago

Eyeing Three-Peat At TPC Sawgrass
Aldrich Potgieter2 days ago

A Risky Play At TPC Sawgrass
Si Woo Kim2 days ago

Looks To Keep Building Momentum At The PLAYERS
Denny McCarthy2 days ago

Looks To Continue Solid Play At TPC Sawgrass
Collin Morikawa3 days ago

Poised For Another Strong Performance At TPC Sawgrass
Robert MacIntyre3 days ago

A Risky Play With Upside At The PLAYERS Championship
Jordan Spieth3 days ago

Looking To Change Fortunes At TPC Sawgrass
Cameron Young3 days ago

Avoid Cameron Young At The PLAYERS Championship
Michael Kim3 days ago

Continues Incredible Form Ahead Of The PLAYERS Championship
Justin Thomas3 days ago

Looking For More Magic At TPC Sawgrass
Xander Schauffele3 days ago

Continues Competitive Return At The Players Championship
Rory McIlroy3 days ago

Looks To Reverse Recent History At TPC Sawgrass
PGA3 days ago

Victor Hovland Looking To Find Form At The PLAYERS Championship
Brian Harman3 days ago

A Sleeper Pick At The PLAYERS Championship
Min Woo Lee3 days ago

A Hard Name To Trust At The Players Championship
Tyler Reddick4 days ago

Power-Steering Failure Foils Tyler Reddick's Bid For Potential Victory
William Byron4 days ago

Recovers From Being Trapped A Lap Down To Finish Sixth
Josh Berry4 days ago

Gives Wood Brothers Team Best Run Since 2021
Alex Pereira4 days ago

Drops Decision At UFC 313
Magomed Ankalaev4 days ago

Becomes The New UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion
Justin Gaethje4 days ago

Gets Back In The Win Column
Rafael Fiziev4 days ago

Loses Third Fight In A Row
Ignacio Bahamondes4 days ago

Gets Submission Win At UFC 313
Christopher Bell4 days ago

Scores His Third Consecutive Victory Of The Season At Phoenix
Kyle Larson4 days ago

Strong Phoenix Performance Falls Short Of Victory
Chris Buescher4 days ago

Quietly Earns A Top-Five Finish At Phoenix
Alex Bowman4 days ago

Leaves Phoenix With His Best Finish At The Site Since 2016
Zane Smith4 days ago

Quietly Nabs His First Phoenix Top-10 Finish
Jalin Turner4 days ago

Retires After UFC 313 Loss
Iasmin Lucindo4 days ago

Gets Dominated At UFC 313
Amanda Lemos4 days ago

Dominates At UFC 313
King Green4 days ago

Gets Knocked Out At UFC 313
Chase Elliott5 days ago

Is Chase Elliott Worth Rostering At Phoenix This Week For DFS?
Joey Logano5 days ago

Will Be A Top Contender To Win At Phoenix
Denny Hamlin5 days ago

Is Difficult to Recommend As A DFS Option
Carson Hocevar5 days ago

Is Not An Ideal Driver To Add To Phoenix DFS Lineups
Brad Keselowski6 days ago

Is A Solid DFS Choice For Phoenix Lineups
Austin Cindric6 days ago

Could Be Worth Using In Phoenix Tournament Lineups
Kyle Busch6 days ago

Should Fantasy Players Roster Kyle Busch At Phoenix?
Michael McDowell6 days ago

Is Michael McDowell Worth Rostering For Phoenix DFS Lineups?
Ty Gibbs6 days ago

Is A DFS Recommendation Despite Inconsistent Track History At Phoenix
Austin Dillon6 days ago

Is Austin Dillon Worth Rostering In DFS For Phoenix This Week?
Cole Custer6 days ago

Is An Underrated DFS Value Pick For Phoenix Lineups
Tyler Reddick6 days ago

DFS Value Likely Hinges On How Much He Leads
Chase Briscoe6 days ago

Despite Strong Phoenix Record, Chase Briscoe Qualifies Inexplicably Poorly
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF