The Baltimore Orioles are coming off an impressive 2023 season, winning the AL East. It was the first time Baltimore made the postseason since 2016. Even though the Orioles lost to the Texas Rangers 3-0 in the Division Series, it was a step in the right direction for the franchise.
This season, the team is picking up where it left off. Through the first full month of the season, Baltimore is one of the top teams in the league, and Cedric Mullins is ready to help his team make another run at the postseason.
Earlier this week, MLB.com released their power rankings and the Orioles were number two on the list.
Cedric Mullins and Baltimore Orioles, Team to Beat In AL East
Baltimore has become the team to beat in the AL East and Mullins has played a vital role in the team’s success. Since the 2021 season, Mullins’ numbers have dropped, but the 2021 All-Star still has provided value to his team, both at the plate and on the field.
Mullins’ confidence is right where it needs to be
Baseball is a difficult game and not too many players have success playing this sport. You can have a good season one year and struggle the next two.
A key attribute to have in playing this game is confidence. And for Mullins, he has the utmost confidence in himself that he can have a productive 2024 season.
Through 28 games, he is hitting .217 with six home runs, 17 RBI, and six stolen bases.
Mullins Trying To Recapture 30-30 Magic
Three years ago, he had the best season of his career as he hit .291 with 30 homers and 30 stolen bases. Last season, Mullins dealt with numerous injuries but still managed to appear in over 110 games and play during the postseason.
Despite the injuries and struggles the last few seasons, Mullins wants to continue to focus on how he can make an impact on his team.
“I try to not be too hard on myself and I know I always put my best foot forward every single day,” Mullins told Steve Melewski of MASN. “It’s a matter of learning how I can almost compete with myself in a sense. Like taking 2021, really studying how that year went and how I was able to go about that season and really come to terms with OK, ‘This is what I was doing, how do I get back to doing that?’
“One of the main focuses was like, using the whole field. I got a little pull happy. The dimensions of the field were a little scary for guys (when left field was moved back). Kind of made you adjust in certain ways that may not have benefitted certain people, me being one of them. So, continuing to stay focused on using the whole field and being disciplined at the plate. Being the table setter – that has always been my goal. I feel like when I have that focus, I can help the team in a big way.”
At the plate, Mullins sets the tone as a leadoff hitter, and he can change the momentum of the game with one swing of the bat. That’s how much value he adds to this Orioles team offensively.
And on the defensive side, he’s one of the best in the game. The big thing for Mullins is staying healthy and a healthy Mullins could potentially have another 30-30 season.
“I’m sure there are plenty of people that wouldn’t believe I did that (30-30) in the first place,” he said. “So, kind of take that and for people who don’t think I can do it again, pretty sure they didn’t think I could the first time. That is what it is. I know I have the ability to do it and I know I have the ability to do it again.”
Mullins will look to turn things around at the plate and look to help keep the Orioles at the top of the AL East standings.
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