Anthony Nunez’s Rapid Rise: Orioles’ New Prospect Climbs to Triple-A After Unconventional Career Path
The Baltimore Orioles have made a notable move in their minor league system, signaling continued faith in their long-term rebuild and commitment to developing young arms. Among their latest maneuvers is the promotion of Anthony Nunez, a relatively new acquisition, to Triple-A Norfolk Tides — a big step in what has already been an unusual and inspirational journey for the 24-year-old relief pitcher.
From Mullins Trade to Norfolk: Nunez’s Latest Chapter
The announcement of Nunez’s advancement to Triple-A was first reported by Jake Rill of MLB.com, who noted that the move came shortly after Nunez’s arrival in the Orioles organization. He was one of the assets Baltimore obtained in a trade with the New York Mets, which saw outfielder Cedric Mullins sent packing in a deal that prioritized the Orioles’ longer-term aspirations over short-term success.
Baltimore’s decision to deal Mullins, an established and fan-favorite player, shocked some within the fanbase, but it underlined the front office’s dedication to bolstering the club’s pitching depth. Nunez, although not yet a household name, has quickly emerged as a promising relief arm who could play a meaningful role in the Orioles’ future bullpen.
Drafted as an Infielder, Reborn as a Pitcher
Nunez’s journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. Originally selected in the 29th round of the MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres, he entered professional baseball as a 17-year-old straight out of high school. At the time, Nunez was an infielder — not a pitcher — and expectations were modest given his late-round selection and raw skillset.
He began his professional career in the Padres’ system but struggled to make a significant impact. Across two years, he managed only six professional appearances, largely due to developmental challenges and limited opportunities. Eventually, the Padres chose to release him after the 2021 season, and it appeared his professional baseball dreams might be coming to an end.
However, Nunez’s story was far from over.
A Second Chance Through the Amateur Route
After being released by San Diego, Nunez took advantage of amateur deregulation rules that allowed him to return to school and reclaim his eligibility. He enrolled at the University of Tampa, a Division II program with a strong baseball pedigree, and rejoined the sport at the collegiate level with a new sense of purpose and identity.
During his time with Tampa, Nunez made a pivotal career decision that would reshape his future: he transitioned from an infielder to a pitcher. This switch wasn’t immediate, nor was it without challenges, but it allowed him to reinvent himself in a role that ultimately suited his arm strength, mechanics, and game sense far better than playing the infield.
It wasn’t until his final college season in 2024 that the transformation truly took shape. As a reliever, he started to catch attention thanks to his developing pitch mix and mound composure. The New York Mets, who had been monitoring under-the-radar college talent, were impressed enough to sign him in June of 2024 as an undrafted free agent.
Early Success in the Mets’ System
Nunez quickly proved the Mets right. His debut season in their minor league system spanned multiple affiliates and yielded promising results. He appeared in nine games split between the Florida Complex League Mets and the Single-A St. Lucie Mets.
Across 10 innings, Nunez posted a 2.70 ERA, racked up 12 strikeouts, and maintained a solid 1.00 WHIP, showcasing poise and command that belied his relative inexperience on the mound. These statistics, while based on a small sample size, were enough to earn him a more prominent role going into the next season.
In 2025, Nunez started the year with the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones. There, his performance elevated even further. Over just 14.1 innings, he struck out 24 batters while surrendering only a single earned run — resulting in a jaw-dropping 0.63 ERA. His dominance was hard to ignore, and the Mets responded by giving him a quick promotion.
Double-A Emergence with Binghamton
Nunez was next assigned to the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, the Mets’ Double-A affiliate, marking another step up the ladder in a short span of time. In 22 appearances for Binghamton, he compiled a 1-0 record, along with a 2.10 ERA and 0.94 WHIP. Even more impressive was his strikeout total: he fanned 36 batters over just 25.2 innings.
This kind of output from a player in only his second professional season — and one who had only recently transitioned into pitching — was viewed as a huge positive sign by scouts and development staff alike. His fastball velocity, which reportedly sits in the mid-90s, was complemented by improved off-speed offerings and a developing slider that has proven to be a legitimate out pitch.
These attributes made Nunez a valued asset, even as the Mets began to consider trade options to address needs at the major league level.
The Cedric Mullins Trade and New Beginnings in Baltimore
At the 2025 trade deadline, the Orioles made headlines when they dealt Cedric Mullins, a former All-Star outfielder, to the New York Mets. While fans mourned the loss of a franchise cornerstone, baseball insiders noted that the return — which included Anthony Nunez — fit Baltimore’s rebuilding blueprint to perfection.
Nunez was sent immediately to the Chesapeake Baysox, Baltimore’s Double-A affiliate, where he made an immediate impression by delivering a scoreless outing in his debut. Although his time there was brief, the Orioles had clearly seen enough to justify moving him up again.
Now, with his promotion to Triple-A Norfolk, Nunez is one step away from reaching the Major Leagues — a remarkable development considering he was cut from professional baseball just a few years ago.
The Orioles’ Development Pipeline: Betting on Arms
The Orioles have spent the past several seasons building out one of the deepest farm systems in baseball, largely through shrewd drafting, savvy trades, and calculated international investments. But while the system has been especially rich in position players like Jackson Holliday, Colton Cowser, and Heston Kjerstad, the organization has also looked to replenish its pitching corps.
The addition and rapid promotion of Nunez suggests that Baltimore’s player development system is not only focused on top-tier talent, but also on players with untapped potential and high upside. Nunez represents the kind of developmental success story that every rebuilding club hopes for — a player whose early struggles forced him to change course, only to find greater success in an unexpected role.
With the Orioles eyeing playoff contention in the next year or two, bullpen depth will be a crucial component. If Nunez continues to show the kind of consistency and dominance he’s displayed across three minor league levels this season, there’s a legitimate chance he could factor into the Orioles’ big-league bullpen in late 2025 or early 2026.
Scouting Report: What Makes Nunez Effective
Nunez has emerged as a reliever with a well-rounded and efficient arsenal. His fastball, generally sitting between 93-96 mph, is his bread and butter, offering late life and decent rise that makes it especially tough on right-handed hitters. His slider has been the biggest development piece — breaking sharply and generating a high whiff rate when thrown low in the zone.
Additionally, Nunez features a changeup that has become a useful tool against lefties, giving him a solid three-pitch mix despite operating as a reliever. His delivery is repeatable, and his command has improved significantly over the past two years, allowing him to minimize walks and avoid long innings.
Mentally, scouts rave about his composure under pressure. Given his unorthodox path to professional success, it’s clear that Nunez has the mental toughness needed to thrive at higher levels.
Comparisons and Projected Role
While still early in his career, some evaluators have likened Nunez’s potential role to that of Yennier Cano — a late-blooming reliever who found success through consistent control, plus stuff, and tenacity. If Nunez can replicate anything close to that trajectory, he could serve as a high-leverage arm in a competitive Orioles bullpen.
However, the organization is unlikely to rush him. With the Triple-A promotion, the goal will be to continue refining his pitch sequencing and adaptability against more advanced hitters. If his strikeout rates and command hold up, a 2026 MLB debut could be on the horizon — and possibly sooner, depending on injuries or call-up needs later this year.
A Testament to Development
Nunez’s story is more than a tale of personal perseverance — it’s a reflection of how baseball development has evolved in the 21st century. No longer are players tied to rigid roles; a former infielder can become a reliever, a released minor leaguer can earn a second shot, and an under-the-radar prospect can rise quickly through the ranks with the right support and adjustments.
The Orioles are not only benefiting from that evolution but embracing it. They saw Nunez not just as a lottery ticket, but as a player whose trajectory could mirror that of other successful converts, whether it’s Jason Motte, Kenley Jansen, or even Trevor Hoffman — all players who began as position players before finding their true calling on the mound.
Conclusion: Eyes on the Future
Anthony Nunez’s promotion to Triple-A Norfolk is a significant milestone, both for him personally and for the Orioles as an organization. In a sport filled with twists and turns, his journey from struggling infielder to high-performing reliever is a reminder that potential can be found in the most unlikely of places.
Baltimore’s rebuild has emphasized youth, versatility, and patience. In Nunez, they may have unearthed a bullpen weapon capable of making a major league impact sooner than later. As he begins this next phase of his career with the Tides, fans and front-office executives alike will be watching closely, hoping his story ends in Camden Yards — under the lights, on the mound, making a difference when it matters most.
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