Tyrone Taylor's Mets playing time won't completely disappear despite Cedric Mullins addition

New York Post

5 days ago

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After getting little out of center field for most of the season — especially after Jose Siri was lost to a broken leg — the Mets' expectations at the spot have shifted with the arrival of Cedric Mullins from Baltimore.
Mullins arrived late Friday afternoon following his trade from the Orioles and wasn't in the starting lineup against the Giants at Citi Field, but Carlos Mendoza said the 30-year-old would 'get a lot of playing time there.'
But the manager also added that Tyrone Taylor, in center again Friday, would continue to get time at the position, as would Jeff McNeil.
Still, the Mets got enough of a look at the Taylor/McNeil pairing in center that they decided to go ahead with the Mullins trade.
'I watched this guy play [for] a lot of years,' Mendoza said of Mullins. 'Defensively, offensively, whether it's hitting for power, running the bases … going first to third, getting a bunt down, cutting a ball [off] in the outfield. There's a lot behind the numbers he does well. He's a really good player.'
5 New York Mets center fielder Cedric Mullins (28) on the field before a game against the San Francisco Giants at Citi Field.
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
To make room for Mullins on the roster, Luisangel Acuña was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse. Acuña had appeared in just six games — with three plate appearances — since July 21.
McNeil was back at second base for the first time in two weeks Friday, with Mark Vientos at third base and Brett Baty on the bench.
Mendoza said he hoped the playing time situation would create 'healthy competition' among the young infielders.
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'It's been that way a long time,'' the manager said. 'There's a reason why they're here. We believe in them and they'll continue to help us win baseball games. … We're counting on all of them.'
5 Mark Vientos throws on the field during batting practice before the start of his teams game against the San Francisco Giants at Citi Field in Queens, New York, USA, Friday, August 01, 2025.
JASON SZENES/ NY POST
And Taylor will stick around, as well, at least for now.
Mendoza said Taylor would continue to get playing time — although it would decrease — but the Mets still value his defense.
Taylor has provided excellent defense, but had an OPS of just .278 over his previous 29 games.
Mullins has been up and down with the Orioles this season and the lefty hitter has hit left-handed pitching better than usual.
5 Tyrone Taylor (15) makes a catch in the 9th inning. The New York Mets win against the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 at Citi Field, Sunday, July 20, 2025.
Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
But his defensive metrics are lacking, with Fangraphs rating him the worst among center fielders with enough playing time, with -14 Defensive Runs Saved, but Mullins was in the middle of the pack, according to Baseball Savant.
Mendoza praised Mullins' 'jumps, routes [and] speed.'
But he acknowledged the shaky defensive numbers.
'There are years where it feels like, 'Man, that's weird he graded so low defensively,' ' Mendoza said. 'I've watched this kid play … and he's a pretty elite defender out there. He's a natural there. I'm not worried about numbers because I've seen this guy play and he's pretty good out there.'
5 Mets outfielder Cedric Mullins (28) before the game when the New York Mets played the San Francisco Giants Friday, August 1, 2025 at Citi Field in Queens, NY.
Robert Sabo for NY Post
5 Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (64) on the dugout fence in the fifth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Citi Field, Sunday, July 20, 2025, in Queens, NY.
Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Mullins said being moved prior to Thursday's trade deadline was 'somewhat to be expected,' since the Orioles are in last place in the AL East and he's a free agent following this season.
'I didn't know where it might be,' Mullins said of how he viewed a trade prior to the deadline. 'New York is a great place to land. It's a good fit.'
And he noted the feelings with the Mets are similar to the ones that were with the Orioles the past few years —including entering what became a wildly disappointing 2025 at Camden Yards.
He said his goal in Queens is 'bringing a ring back to the city. That's what it's all about.'