Boyce Cedric Mullins II has turned into one of baseball’s most exciting outfielders since he first suited up for the Baltimore Orioles. This speedy center fielder has grown a lot, transforming from a promising prospect into an All-Star known for his defense and his ability to get things done at the plate.
Right now, Cedric Mullins is making $4.1 million for the 2023 season after he signed a one-year deal with the Orioles. Reports say his 2025 contract will jump to about $8.7 million, which really shows how much his stock has risen. His finances have followed his on-field performance—his net worth sits around $5.9 million by recent estimates, and that number just keeps climbing as his career takes off.
Mullins is a switch-hitting outfielder who’s had to fight through some tough stuff, including Crohn’s disease. That makes his achievements even more impressive. His mix of defensive excellence and offensive production has made him a key player in the Orioles’ rebuild and a fan favorite in Baltimore. His rising salary shows just how important he is to the team’s future.
Early Life and Amateur Career
Cedric Mullins started his journey to Major League Baseball long before his Orioles debut. He went from a kid who loved baseball to a standout in college, showing the kind of drive that would eventually get him to the big leagues.
Childhood and Family Background
Boyce Cedric Mullins II was born on October 1, 1994, in Greensboro, North Carolina. From the start, Mullins had a natural athleticism his parents, Cedric Sr. and Trina Mullins, noticed and encouraged.
He grew up in a close family, playing baseball in local leagues. The Mullins family cared about both school and sports, which helped Cedric develop a disciplined approach.
His dad would often help him work on his swing and fielding in their backyard. As a kid, Mullins looked up to MLB players who had speed and played the outfield well—traits that ended up shaping his own game.
High School Achievements
At Campbell High School in Smyrna, Georgia, Mullins quickly stood out as a baseball talent. He didn’t have the biggest frame, which some coaches saw as a drawback, but he made up for it with his speed and baseball smarts.
During high school, Mullins picked up:
- All-Region honors
- Team MVP
- A rep as one of the fastest baserunners around
Coaches loved his ability to read the ball off the bat in the outfield, making him a defensive weapon. His batting improved a lot in his junior and senior years, especially as he got more comfortable switch-hitting.
Even with these achievements, big college programs and MLB scouts kind of overlooked him, mostly because of his size and the idea that he still needed to develop.
College Baseball Journey
After high school, Mullins went to Louisburg College, a junior college in North Carolina. That move turned out to be huge for his development.
At Louisburg, Mullins put up strong numbers. His sophomore year stood out—he hit over .300 and showed off his speed on the bases.
He transferred to Campbell University after Louisburg. At Campbell, he kept developing as a switch-hitter and as a center fielder.
His play at Campbell finally got the attention of MLB scouts, especially those from the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles picked him in the 13th round of the 2015 MLB Draft, officially starting his pro career.
Professional Career and Achievements
Cedric Mullins has become one of the Orioles’ most dynamic players since joining the big leagues. His rise from prospect to All-Star really shows his determination and natural talent in center field.
MLB Debut and Rise with Orioles
Cedric Mullins debuted for the Baltimore Orioles on August 10, 2018. As a 13th-round pick out of Campbell, he wasn’t the most hyped prospect, but he quickly proved why the Orioles liked him.
He made history in his first game, becoming the first Oriole ever to notch three hits in his MLB debut. Mullins started out sharing the outfield with Adam Jones, but he eventually took over as the main center fielder.
Early on, Mullins hit some bumps—2019 was rough. He got sent down through several minor league levels. But he didn’t let that define him. Mullins doubled down, worked hard, and fought his way back to the majors.
Notable Seasons and Milestones
Mullins’ 2021 season was his breakout. He made the gutsy call to give up switch-hitting and bat only left-handed, and that totally changed his offense.
He became the first player in Orioles history to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in a season. His .291/.360/.518 slashline showed just how well-rounded his game had become.
Defensively, Mullins put up elite Statcast numbers for outfield jump and efficiency. He pulled off highlight-reel catches in center field all season.
In 2022 and 2023, Mullins kept playing well. His numbers dipped a bit from 2021, but he stayed a cornerstone for the Orioles and provided leadership for a young team.
All-Star and Award Recognition
Mullins’ huge 2021 earned him his first All-Star nod, representing the American League. That selection really proved he’d gone from fringe prospect to top-tier player.
He didn’t win a Gold Glove in 2021, but he finished as a finalist. Around the league, people respect his defense. Statcast often ranks him among the best defensive outfielders.
He got Silver Slugger consideration, too, though he didn’t win. Mullins finished 9th in AL MVP voting in 2021, which says a lot about how balanced his game is.
Fans and media have also celebrated Mullins for his perseverance, especially after he opened up about living with Crohn’s disease. He’s inspired a lot of people who deal with similar health challenges.
2025 Season Highlights
In 2025, Mullins is still a key piece for the Orioles. Through early May, he’s shown better plate discipline—his walk rate is up, and he’s kept his power.
On defense, Mullins keeps making elite plays in center, racking up more highlight-reel catches. His leadership is huge for a young Orioles squad battling in the tough AL East.
With the trade deadline coming up in July, rumors have started swirling about Mullins, especially since he’s on a contract with a club option for next year. How he plays this season could decide if the Orioles keep him or look to extend him for the long haul.
The Orioles’ front office will have to make some tough calls about their roster. Mullins’ performance could go a long way in shaping their plans.
Contract Details and Salary Progression
Cedric Mullins’ financial value has shot up during his time with the Orioles. His salary progression has followed the typical MLB path—from rookie contracts to arbitration and beyond.
Initial Contract and Signing Bonus
When the Orioles drafted Mullins in the 13th round in 2015, he started out with a pretty modest rookie deal. Unlike first-rounders, Mullins didn’t get a big signing bonus to kick off his pro career.
He spent his early years grinding through the minors, earning standard minor league salaries. Those contracts favored the team, as is usually the case for young players still proving themselves.
Mullins made his MLB debut on August 10, 2018, and started earning the MLB minimum salary. That was his first real bump in pay. He worked hard to lock down a spot in the Orioles’ outfield.
Arbitration Years and Salary Increases
Things changed for Mullins once he hit salary arbitration. That process lets players with three to six years of service time negotiate for more money based on their performance.
His 2021 breakout—30 homers, 30 steals—made a big difference. After that, his salary jumped.
For 2024, Mullins earned $6.325 million through arbitration, a big leap from his earlier deals. That pay reflected both what he’d done on the field and his experience in the league.
Recent Contracts and Extensions
The latest step for Mullins is his one-year deal for 2025. After some back-and-forth, he landed a $8.725 million contract for the 2025 season, which is the highest annual salary he’s had so far.
This contract shows the Orioles want to keep their star center fielder, but they also want to keep their options open. Mullins hasn’t signed a long-term extension yet, though that could change as he gets closer to free agency.
His contract history is pretty typical for a successful MLB player: low rookie pay, big arbitration jumps, and the prospect of a huge free agent deal down the road. Mullins’ performance keeps pushing his market value up.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
Cedric Mullins has built up some real wealth thanks to his MLB career. His financial portfolio is a mix of baseball salary, possible endorsements, and investments as he keeps making a name for himself as a notable outfielder in the league.
Salary Earnings and Bonuses
Mullins’ earnings have jumped in recent years as his play improved. His 2023 salary hit $4.1 million with the Orioles, a big step up from where he started. For 2025, he signed a deal worth $8,725,000, showing the team’s faith in him.
His salary growth really took off after his 2021 season—joining the elite 30-30 club boosted his market value in a big way.
The Orioles still hold a club option on Mullins before he hits free agency, so his future earnings could change depending on how he performs this year.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
Endorsement details for Mullins aren’t widely public, but after his All-Star season and Silver Slugger attention, he’s probably landed a few sponsorships. As a centerfielder with both power and speed, he’s got the kind of appeal that equipment brands like.
His equipment partnerships likely include deals with companies for batting gloves, cleats, and outfield gloves. Mullins doesn’t have a huge social media presence compared to some MLB stars, but it’s another way for him to work with brands.
Local endorsements in Baltimore probably make up part of his extra income, too. Orioles standouts often connect with the fanbase, leading to appearances, autograph signings, and some local ad campaigns.
Investments and Assets
Mullins’ net worth sits around $5-6 million. Reports show it grew from $6.82 million in 2019 to $7.96 million in 2020.
That number covers his baseball salary, endorsements, and whatever investments he’s made so far.
He probably works with financial advisors, like most MLB players, to help manage his money across different investments. A lot of pros put their earnings into real estate, stocks, and other assets.
Real estate tends to be a big part of a pro athlete’s portfolio, but nobody’s published details about Mullins’ properties. As his salary keeps climbing, he’ll probably branch out more with his investments to get ready for life after baseball.
Personal Life and Off-Field Impact
Cedric Mullins doesn’t just stick to baseball—he’s got a life full of purpose and community work, plus a bunch of interests that shape who he is outside the stadium.
Community Involvement and Philanthropy
Since joining the Orioles, Mullins has made himself a positive force in Baltimore. He jumps in on the team’s annual holiday gift drives, helping bring some happiness to kids across Maryland.
In 2022, Mullins kicked off his own project to support youth baseball in Baltimore’s underserved neighborhoods. He’s making sure kids get equipment, coaching, and some real mentorship—especially those who might not have had the chance otherwise.
After facing Crohn’s disease, Mullins started speaking up for awareness and research. He works with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, joins fundraising events, and shares his story to encourage others dealing with similar health battles.
He doesn’t forget his roots in Greensboro, North Carolina. Every year, he hosts baseball clinics for local kids, focusing on both sports and academics.
Hobbies and Interests
When Mullins isn’t playing ball, you’ll probably find him fishing. He loves spending his off-days out on the Chesapeake Bay, just soaking up some quiet away from the game.
He’s also gotten into photography. Mullins snaps photos of team trips and nature scenes, then shares them on his social media. It’s a cool way for fans to see the world through his eyes.
Gaming is another big hobby. Mullins joins in on team tournaments and sometimes streams online. He’s especially good at NBA 2K and Call of Duty.
Family means everything to him. He says his parents taught him hard work, and he always heads back to North Carolina in the offseason to catch up with relatives and old friends.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Cedric Mullins has really made a mark in baseball with his speed, power, and defense. His journey from overlooked prospect to All-Star outfielder? It’s a real lesson in sticking with it and adapting.
Influence on Orioles and MLB
Mullins stands as a cornerstone of the Orioles’ comeback. He’s one of the longest-serving players on the team, helping bridge the tough rebuilding years into playoff contention.
That amazing 2021 season—30 home runs and 30 stolen bases—put him in rare company in MLB history.
He decided to stop switch-hitting and just bat left-handed, which inspired other players who were considering a similar move. A lot of baseball analysts see that choice as the turning point in his career.
In the clubhouse, Mullins leads by example for the younger Orioles stars. His work ethic and grit through injuries have set the bar for professionalism in Baltimore.
Comparisons to Other MLB Stars
People often compare Mullins to elite center fielders like Kyle Tucker (Astros) and Johan Rojas (Phillies). His defensive stats put him among the best outfielders, even if he doesn’t get the same spotlight as Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani.
What sets Mullins apart? Consistency. Some players bounce up and down each year, but he’s kept up solid numbers since breaking out.
Key Comparison Metrics (Career Averages)
Player | AVG | OBP | SB/Season | Defensive Runs Saved |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mullins | .260 | .330 | 25+ | Top 10 among CF |
Tucker | .275 | .355 | 15+ | Above Average |
Rojas | .245 | .310 | 20+ | Elite |
He manages to impact games even without a high batting average—kind of like Bryson Stott or Matt Chapman.
Expectations for Coming Seasons
Mullins is playing under a one-year, $8.42 million deal for 2025, so people are expecting a lot from him.
Most analysts think he’ll keep flashing that Gold Glove-level defense. If he stays healthy, he should give you 20+ home runs and maybe 25 steals, which is nothing to sneeze at.
But let’s be honest—his health is the big question mark here. He’s 30 now, and that’s usually the age where outfielders start slowing down just a bit defensively.
Still, Mullins has always relied on his instincts and sharp technique, so maybe he’ll keep that edge a little longer than most.
The Orioles have some tough calls coming up about his long-term spot on the team. They’ve got rising stars coming up, so the front office has to balance Mullins’ leadership and steady bat with the idea of letting him walk—maybe to the Mariners, Rangers, or Rays, who sure could use outfield help.
If he keeps up this pace, he might just land one more big multi-year contract, and that would really lock in his legacy—at least financially—in the game.
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