Breakout Orioles Outfielder Ramon Laureano Now Viewed as ‘More Attractive’ Option Than Cedric Mullins, Drawing Buzz With His Rise and Versatility.

In a season brimming with unexpected performances and key turning points, the Baltimore Orioles find themselves navigating a welcome dilemma in their outfield. Ramon Laureano, a former Athletics standout acquired during a transitional period, has emerged as a legitimate weapon in Baltimore’s lineup—both offensively and defensively. His recent surge has not only reignited his career but also sparked comparisons to long-established center fielder Cedric Mullins. In a development few predicted at the season’s outset, Laureano is now viewed by many within the Orioles’ fanbase and front office as a “more attractive” all-around option moving forward.

A Career Revived in Baltimore

When the Orioles acquired Laureano, the move was viewed as a low-risk gamble. Injuries and inconsistency had marred his time in Oakland, and a brief stint in Cleveland did little to shift the narrative. But in Baltimore, something changed. Whether it’s the player-friendly culture under manager Brandon Hyde, the advanced analytics and coaching support provided by the Orioles’ front office, or simply a fresh start in a competitive atmosphere, Laureano has rediscovered the tools that once made him one of the most electrifying young outfielders in the game.

So far this season, Laureano has slashed .278/.343/.465 with 13 home runs, 42 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases across 89 games. His power-speed combination has added a new dimension to the Orioles’ lineup, and his arm strength and range in the outfield have made him a regular highlight fixture on defensive reels. More importantly, he’s managed to stay healthy—something that eluded him in recent seasons.

The Cedric Mullins Conundrum

Cedric Mullins remains a fan favorite in Baltimore. The 2021 All-Star was the heartbeat of the Orioles during their lean years, becoming just the third player in MLB history to record a 30-30 season while playing at least 90 percent of his games in center field. He’s also widely respected in the clubhouse and known for his consistent effort and professionalism.

But 2025 has not been Mullins’ finest year. Injuries have limited him to just 62 games, and in that span, he’s posted a .229 batting average with declining slugging numbers and a noticeable drop-off in his usual defensive excellence. Though still capable of highlight-reel plays, the 30-year-old seems a step slower, both at the plate and in the field.

Now, the Orioles are at a crossroads. With a stacked farm system and several outfielders vying for more playing time—including Colton Cowser and Heston Kjerstad—Baltimore has some tough decisions to make.

Clubhouse Dynamics and Front Office Perceptions

According to sources close to the organization, Laureano’s rise has not gone unnoticed by executive VP and GM Mike Elias. In recent internal meetings, his name has surfaced as someone who could not only finish the season strong but also factor prominently into the team’s long-term plans.

“He’s checking all the boxes right now,” one Orioles staffer said. “Plays with fire, produces on both sides of the ball, and gives us flexibility. The front office loves that.”

That flexibility may be key. Laureano has shown the ability to handle all three outfield spots, which increases his value in a postseason series or a long 162-game season. Mullins, while a superb center fielder, hasn’t offered the same versatility or offensive upside of late.

Moreover, some around the league believe Laureano’s value has skyrocketed to the point where teams have even reached out about his availability in trade discussions—an ironic twist given how overlooked he was just a year ago.

Manager Hyde’s Dilemma

Brandon Hyde has so far refused to pick favorites publicly, instead praising both players for their professionalism and work ethic. But when asked about Laureano’s increased playing time in recent weeks, Hyde didn’t hold back.

“He’s earned it,” Hyde said. “He brings energy every day. He’s been one of the toughest outs in our lineup and a wall in the outfield. Guys like that make your team better—period.”

While Hyde continues to rotate players to keep everyone fresh, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Laureano is playing his way into a bigger role—one that might have long-term implications for Mullins and the team’s outfield depth chart.

Fan Reaction: A City Divided?

Mullins’ deep-rooted connection to Orioles fans has made this debate emotionally charged. While some fans have embraced Laureano’s breakout campaign, others are calling for patience with Mullins, emphasizing what he’s meant to the franchise during its rebuild.

On social media, Orioles forums are divided.

“Love what Laureano is doing, but we can’t just toss aside a guy like Mullins because of one down year,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Another replied: “It’s not about what Mullins did in 2021, it’s about who gives us the best chance to win in October—and right now, it’s Laureano.”

It’s a conversation that’s sure to intensify as the trade deadline approaches and the postseason picture becomes clearer.

What the Future Holds

Both Laureano and Mullins are under team control through 2026, which gives the Orioles time to evaluate. But given their World Series aspirations, they can’t afford to leave any performance gaps unaddressed. If Laureano continues his current trajectory and Mullins struggles to return to form, a more permanent shift could take place—either via benching, platooning, or even a trade involving one of the two.

The Orioles, to their credit, have not ruled out any options. As of now, they appear content to ride the hot hand while keeping an eye on player health and consistency.

What’s clear is this: Ramon Laureano, once considered a reclamation project, is now very much a central figure in the Orioles’ postseason plans. Whether or not that comes at the expense of Cedric Mullins remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the Orioles are blessed with an abundance of talent, and competition, not comfort, will define who earns the right to start in the stretch run.

Baseball has a way of creating difficult choices for successful teams. The Orioles, in the thick of a pennant race, now face one of those choices in their outfield. Ramon Laureano’s resurgence is a feel-good story, but it’s also forcing Baltimore’s hand. Mullins’ legacy and impact on the team cannot be denied—but the present belongs to the players who perform. And right now, few in Baltimore are performing like Laureano.

With October looming, the Orioles must ask themselves the hard question: Who gives us the best chance to win it all? If the answer is Ramon Laureano, expect his rise to continue and his role to expand—while Baltimore fans grapple with a changing of the guard.