23-year old Anthony Nunez continues to progress through the Mets farm system following a fantastic start to the season in Brooklyn.
The now right-handed relief pitcher began his professional career as a shortstop in the San Diego Padres system after they drafted him out of Miami Springs High School in the 29th round of the 2019 MLB draft. He struggled to the tune of .208/.376/.361, with a .737 OPS before being released by the Padres in 2021.
Following his release, Nunez returned to college, playing three seasons at the University of Tampa. Following two seasons at third base, Coach Joe Urso decided to try Nunez out on the mound – calling it his “best shot” at making it back to the minors.
The decision to switch to the mound has for sure paid off. Just one year after switching to pitching, Nunez was signed as a free agent pitcher by the New York Mets. He recently received a promotion to Binghamton after having an incredible start for the Mets’ High-A affiliate Brooklyn Cyclones.
Nunez was simply unhittable in Brooklyn. Over the course of 14.1 innings, he went 1-1 with 1 save. He allowed just five walks, wile striking out 24 batters, with a 0.63 ERA, and 0.558 WHIP. Nunez had faced 45 batters, who collectively managed just three hits.
Per Michael Mayer of Metsmerized Online, 1,522 pitchers have thrown at least 10 innings in the minor leagues this season. Prior to the weekend, Nunez lead them all in batting average against (.230) and ranked 3rd with a 5.1. strikeout percentage.
Nunez is making the most out of his second chance in the minor leagues and will continue to be an interesting arm to watch considering his fast rise to Double-A.
