Could two overlooked prospects be the next bullpen saviors for the Baltimore Orioles? Just like Felix Bautista, Yennier Cano, and Cionel Perez emerged from relative obscurity to become key contributors, the Orioles might have struck gold again with Anthony Nunez and Cameron Foster. These right-handed pitchers, acquired at the 2025 trade deadline, are poised to make an impact, and could inject some serious energy into the team's relief corps.
Nunez and Foster both arrived via trades with the New York Mets. Nunez was part of the package for Cedric Mullins, while Foster came over in exchange for Gregory Soto. The Orioles clearly saw something special in them, adding both to the 40-man roster last fall. Now, they have a legitimate shot at cracking Baltimore's revamped bullpen right out of spring training.
Orioles' President of Baseball Operations, Mike Elias, is clearly excited. "They both threw great for us after the trade deadline," Elias stated. "We’re excited about them."
Let's dive into what makes these two pitchers so intriguing. Anthony Nunez, 24, has a truly unique backstory. Originally drafted as an infielder by the San Diego Padres in 2019, he was released in 2021. He then attended Division II Tampa, showcasing his hitting prowess for two years before contributing to the team's D-II national championship in 2024, while also transitioning into a pitching role. Now fully focused on pitching, Nunez has been turning heads with his ability to generate strikeouts. Across three levels in 2025, he maintained a strikeout rate near 38%, ultimately finishing the season at Triple-A. He boasts a 2.06 ERA and a stellar 0.81 WHIP over 56.2 innings. Nunez's arsenal is headlined by two fastballs that consistently hit the upper-90s, complemented by a promising kick changeup and a sweeping slider that scouts believe could develop into plus pitches. The Orioles are particularly impressed with his command of the fastball and his overall upside as he continues to refine his skills on the mound. His trajectory is undeniable, culminating in his role as the closer for Triple-A Norfolk at the end of the 2025 season.
Cameron Foster, who will be 27 this season, spent most of 2025 dominating the Eastern League before the trade. Post-trade, he pitched to a 3.38 ERA with a 33% strikeout rate and a 1.38 WHIP at Triple-A. His repertoire features a mid-90s four-seam fastball and a high-80s cutter, both designed to induce swings and misses. But here's where it gets controversial... Some scouts question whether Foster's success in the Eastern League will translate to the majors, citing a potential vulnerability against more disciplined hitters. What do you think? Will his stuff play at the highest level?
BIRD SEED – Bullpen Breakdown:
The Orioles' bullpen pecking order is a bit of a puzzle after the top two arms. Free agent acquisition Ryan Helsley is projected to be the closer, and veteran Andrew Kittredge, re-acquired via trade after a brief stint with the Cubs, provides another experienced option. Beyond those two, the roles are still up for grabs. And this is the part most people miss... The performance of Nunez and Foster in spring training could significantly impact the bullpen's overall construction. If they excel, they could solidify their roles as key setup men, pushing other pitchers further down the depth chart or even off the roster.
Ultimately, the success of Nunez and Foster remains to be seen. Will they become the next hidden gems in the Orioles' bullpen, or will they fade into the background? Their performance in spring training will be crucial in determining their fate. Bold prediction: At least one of these guys will be a major contributor by the All-Star break. Agree or disagree? Let me know in the comments!
