The Baltimore Orioles are no strangers to unearthing hidden gems for 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, acquired in the 2025 trade deadline deals, could be the next big surprises. Meet Anthony Nunez and Cameron Foster, a pair of right-handers who might just shake up the Orioles' bullpen this season.
These two prospects arrived in separate trades with the Mets—Nunez in exchange for Cedric Mullins and Foster for Gregory Soto—and were swiftly added to the 40-man roster in the fall. Both have a real shot at cracking Baltimore’s revamped bullpen come spring training.
"They both threw great for us after the trade deadline," said Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias. "We’re excited about them."
Anthony Nunez, a 24-year-old with a fascinating backstory, began his career as an infielder, drafted by the Padres out of high school in 2019. After being released in 2021, he pivoted to Division II Tampa, where he not only excelled as a hitter but also began his transition to pitching. By 2024, he helped his team win a D-II national championship while honing his skills on the mound. Now, Nunez is turning heads with his pitching prowess. Across three levels in 2025, he posted a 2.06 ERA and a 0.81 WHIP in 56.2 innings, boasting a strikeout rate near 38%. His arsenal includes a pair of upper-90s fastballs and a promising mix of secondary pitches, like his kick changeup and sweeper. Nunez finished the season as the closer for Triple-A Norfolk, showcasing his potential to be a key piece in Baltimore’s bullpen puzzle.
And this is the part most people miss: Nunez’s journey from infielder to pitcher isn’t just inspiring—it’s a testament to his adaptability and raw talent. How many players successfully make such a dramatic position change? It’s a bold move, and one that could pay off big time for the Orioles.
Cameron Foster, on the other hand, is a bit further along in his career. At 27, he spent most of 2025 dominating the Eastern League before the trade. Post-trade, he posted a 3.38 ERA with a 33% strikeout rate at Triple-A, though his 1.38 WHIP suggests there’s still room for refinement. Foster’s mid-90s four-seamer and high-80s cutter are his go-to weapons, and he’s shown the ability to miss bats consistently.
But here's where it gets controversial: With free agent signee Ryan Helsley projected as the closer and veteran Andrew Kittredge back in the mix, the bullpen hierarchy is far from settled. Beyond those two, it’s anyone’s game. Could Nunez or Foster step into a high-leverage role sooner than expected? Or will they need more time to adjust to the big leagues? It’s a question that’s sure to spark debate among fans.
The Orioles’ bullpen has always been a source of intrigue, and with these two newcomers in the fold, 2026 could be another year of unexpected breakthroughs. What do you think? Are Nunez and Foster the next big bullpen stars, or is it too early to tell? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
