The Baltimore Orioles are no strangers to unearthing hidden gems in their bullpen, from the rise of All-Star closer Felix Bautista to the unexpected dominance of setup men Yennier Cano and Cionel Perez. But here’s where it gets exciting: two under-the-radar relievers, Anthony Nunez and Cameron Foster, could be the next big names to emerge in the Orioles’ revamped bullpen. And this is the part most people miss—these aren’t just any prospects; they’re players with unique journeys and untapped potential.
Acquired in separate trades with the Mets during the 2025 deadline—Nunez for Cedric Mullins and Foster for Gregory Soto—both pitchers were swiftly added to the 40-man roster in the fall. Now, they’re knocking on the door to make the Opening Day bullpen after a strong showing in spring training.
‘They both threw great for us after the trade deadline,’ Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said. ‘We’re excited about them.’
Take Anthony Nunez, for instance. At just 24, this former infielder-turned-pitcher is a testament to perseverance. Drafted by the Padres out of high school in 2019, he was released in 2021, only to reinvent himself at Division II Tampa. There, he not only helped win a national championship in 2024 but also began his transition to the mound. Last season, he split time across three levels, finishing at Triple-A Norfolk with a staggering 38% strikeout rate, a 2.06 ERA, and a 0.81 WHIP in 56.2 innings. His arsenal? A pair of upper-90s fastballs, a wicked changeup, and a sweeper that could be plus pitches down the line.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a converted infielder really become a reliable bullpen arm in the majors? Nunez’s fastball command and bat-missing ability suggest he’s more than just a feel-good story—he’s a legitimate prospect with a high ceiling.
Then there’s Cameron Foster, who turns 27 this season. Before the trade, he dominated the Eastern League, and while his Triple-A numbers post-trade (3.38 ERA, 33% strikeout rate, 1.38 WHIP) were solid, they don’t fully capture his potential. His mid-90s four-seamer and high-80s cutter are already effective, but it’s his ability to generate whiffs that has the Orioles intrigued.
And this is the part most people miss: The Orioles’ bullpen hierarchy is wide open beyond closer Ryan Helsley and veteran Andrew Kittredge. With so many spots up for grabs, Nunez and Foster aren’t just long shots—they’re legitimate contenders to carve out roles in Baltimore’s new-look relief corps.
So, here’s the question for you: Do you think Anthony Nunez and Cameron Foster can make an impact in the majors this season? Or is their success just a product of small sample sizes and high-minor league competition? Let us know in the comments—this is one discussion you won’t want to miss!
