A mechanical cam phasing system includes a stator, a cradle rotor, a first locking mechanism having a first locking feature and a second locking feature, a cage, and a second locking mechanism rotationally coupled to the cradle rotor and selectively moveable between a locking state and a phasing state. In the locking state, a clearance is provided between the cradle rotor and the cage to allow the cradle rotor to rotate relative to the cage and lock the first locking feature or the second locking feature. In the phasing state, the clearance between the cradle rotor and the cage is reduced to ensure rotational coupling between the cradle rotor and the cage in at least one direction, which displaces the first locking feature or the second locking feature relative to the cradle rotor and enables the cradle rotor to rotate relative to the stator.