Orioles Centerfielder Cedric “CM STORM” Mullins Has Led Team To Surprising Start Amidst Ownership Power Struggle

The Baltimore Orioles have to be the surprise of the MLB season thus far. For a team that was predicted to finish with just 61 victories this season, the lowest in the majors, being 43-44 just past the halfway mark is very surprising. The team has been the “cardiac birds,” as of late during their eight-game unbeaten streak.

All this despite a nasty ongoing power struggle between owner Peter Angelos’ sons and his wife. During this run no player in orange and black has shined brighter than centerfielder Cedric Mullins.

 

Mullins’ play as of late has drawn praise from manager Brandon Hyde, who loves how his stud centerfielder is playing. Following Saturday’s win over the Los Angeles Angels, Hyde had this to say about “CM Storm” in his postgame presser.

 “Mullins has been impressive at the plate, but his defense has been outstanding.”

 

 

Mullins is the straw that stirs the drink in Baltimore and for him and the Orioles to be playing this competitively while the franchise is in turmoil is a true sign of players just playing. It’s that, and the leadership displayed by Mullins and the aforementioned manager Hyde.

Mullins Leading Orioles Amidst Power Struggle

In 2021, Mullins was voted an All-Star, and deservingly so, as the speedy outfielder joined the exclusive 30-30 club, which is homers and stolen bases.

The team was putrid, but he was definitely a bright spot. This season he hasn’t been as good, but he’s coming on as of late. His speed-power combo is one of the best in the game.

Mullins And Os Trending Upward As Ownership Battle Looms

Mullins and the O’s are accomplishing this while their owners are at war. When Peter Angelos fell ill in 2017 he established a trust in which his sons and wife would share in the daily operations and decision-making of the franchise. But his son John, along with wife Georgia have taken control of the team, ostracizing his other son Louis. But Louis isn’t going down without a fight, as he’s suing both in Baltimore Circuit Court, claiming if they keep control the team could be moved out of Baltimore, to Tennessee.

 

 

According to the Baltimore Banner, here’s what the lawsuit is about.

 “John intends to maintain absolute control over the Orioles — to manage, to sell, if he chooses, to move the team to Tennessee (where he has a home and his wife’s career is headquartered) — without having to answer to anyone,” the lawsuit states.

John was voted “control person,” in 2020, while Louis was working in the top role at the family’s law firm.

With that ongoing never-ending battle, it’s amazing how Mullins and the team continue to persevere, not knowing if they’ll even be in Charm City much longer.

 Are Orioles On The Rise? Hope So

There’s no way to avoid having 72 of 162 games against the AL East gauntlet of the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays. But the O’s are currently armed with the top farm system in the majors, and that means a lot going forward. With the trade deadline approaching many believe teams will come after Mullins.

 

 

With a plethora of outfielders in their farm system, the O’s could move Mullins and probably still be okay in the long run. But based on his leadership and play, he’s cemented himself as a part of the new Orioles culture. He’s the catalyst. They’d have to get an offer they just can’t refuse to move CM Storm.