NY Mets trade deadline move is finally yielding promising returns

Cedric Mullins’ first few weeks with the New York Mets felt like dropping quarters into a machine that refused to pay out. Early on, he went 1-for-17, though a few walks, runs scored, and stolen bases offered small sparks amid the dry spell. It was frustrating watching the reels spin with little to show, but those glimpses hinted the machine wasn’t broken, just warming up.

For a team that’s been searching for someone — anyone—to jolt the lineup, Mullins’ timing couldn’t be better. Over the past three games, Mullins has landed some winning combinations. Base hits and extra-base knocks have brought the scoreboard to life whenever he’s at the plate. It’s not a jackpot yet, but the buzz is growing, enough to make you lean in and watch the next spin a little closer.

Cedric Mullins is beginning to show why the Mets invested in him, giving the lineup a needed lift.

Over the last three games, Mullins has hit 5-for-12 with a homer, three RBI, three runs scored, and a walk. It’s not a superstar stretch, but it’s exactly the kind of steady contribution the Mets need from the bottom of their lineup. Mullins isn’t hitting jackpots yet, but he’s been lining up enough cherries to light up a few paylines, and sometimes, that’s all it takes to keep the reels spinning and start seeing a return on the investment.

Tuesday night’s win over the Braves showed why the Mets made this trade. With two outs and the Mets trailing, Mullins singled to tie the game and keep the inning alive. That clutch hit set the stage for Alvarez’s two-run homer that gave New York the lead. It wasn’t flashy, but it was critical, the kind of payoff every front office hopes for when making a move.

Mullins isn’t going to turn into a heavy hitter overnight, nor does the Mets’ bottom third need him to be. What matters is his ability to reach base consistently, and he’s done just that, safely getting on in all but one start since arriving in New York. Those dependable at-bats extend innings, pressure pitchers, and give the big bats up top more chances to drive in runs.

Cedric Mullins may not be ringing jackpot bells yet, but his recent spins have started paying steady credits. For the Mets, those small wins add up, turning a slow, quiet machine into one worth watching. In baseball and slots alike, it’s often the steady payouts—not just the jackpots—that keep the excitement alive.