Cedric Mullins gives Baltimore fans one more vintage performance

BALTIMORE (AP) — Cedric Mullins gave Baltimore fans another vintage performance to celebrate Saturday night, and potential Orioles trade partners another data point to consider.

The 30-year-old center fielder made one of the finest catches of his career, sprinting ahead of a diving catch to deny Orlando Arcia extra bases in the third inning He followed that up by hitting his 100th career home run in Baltimore’s 18-0 win over the Colorado Rockies.

“It’s a crazy milestone,” said Mullins of becoming the third Oriole to reach 100 homers and 100 steals, joining Paul Blair and Brady Anderson. “It’s special. I’m going to take it in and enjoy the moment, but with the understanding I’ve got to get ready to play tomorrow.”

Five days before the trade deadline, it was the kind of night that recalled his best season, when he had 30 homers and 30 steals in 2021 while earning his lone All-Star appearance.

Mullins is eligible for free agency this fall. That could make him one of the easier players to deal for a Baltimore club that began Saturday nine games out of the final AL Wild Card spot. Saturday's performance just might remind another team what he has to offer beyond some lackluster 2025 numbers.

Mullins has 14 home runs but is batting .219 with a .297 on-base percentage with 45 RBIs and 14 stolen bases in 87 games. His .706 OPS is only slightly below his career average.

“I don’t know,” interim manager Tony Mansolino said pregame when asked why Mullins had never duplicated his 2021 level. “We’ve seen him be the 30-30 guy for stretches. … For me, he’s been searching for his swing here kind of off and on all year this year.”

The Orioles have already parted with relievers Bryan Baker and Gregory Soto this month. And Mullins is one of more than a half-dozen Baltimore players set to enter free agency this offseason. General Manager Mike Elias has said he’s focused on getting returns for those players in particular, with the hope to return to playoff contention in 2026.

For Mullins, the idea this might be the last of his memorable Orioles performances felt hard to grasp.

“I don’t know if it’s quite hit me that way yet,” he said. “I’m still focused on the day to day, trying to improve my game every single day. Battling through some struggles. … So I don’t think it’s gotten to that point.”

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB

Baltimore Orioles' Cedric Mullins, right, celebrates with Tyler O'Neill, left, after hitting a three-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Baltimore Orioles' Cedric Mullins, right, celebrates with interim third base/infield coach Buck Britton (46) after hitting a three-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Baltimore Orioles' Cedric Mullins rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Baltimore Orioles' Cedric Mullins, right, celebrates after his team's victory over the Colorado Rockies in a baseball game, Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

DENVER (AP) — Versatile infielder/outfielder Willi Castro and the Colorado Rockies agreed to a $12.8 million, two-year deal Thursday, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced.

Castro spent last season with the Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs, where he hit a combined .226 with 11 homers and 33 RBIs. He played all three outfield spots last season in addition to seeing time at third and shortstop. He even pitched an inning while with the Twins.

The 28-year-old Castro made his major league debut on Aug. 24, 2019, while with Detroit. He spent four seasons with the Tigers before joining the Twins, where he was an All-Star in 2024. He was traded to the Cubs last July.

Earlier in the day, the Rockies finalized the signing of right-handed starter Michael Lorenzen to an $8 million, one-year contract. The deal includes a $9 million club option for 2027. Right-hander Bradley Blalock was designated for assignment to open a roster spot.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb

FILE - Chicago Cubs' Willi Castro (1) runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Sept. 5, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File)