From Padres Prospect to Mets Star: Nuñez Dominates Double-A Mound!

Miami Springs, USA - In a remarkable twist of fate, former San Diego Padres infield prospect Anthony Nuñez is making waves in the pitching realm with the New York Mets, grabbing attention through a series of outstanding performances in Double-A baseball. Selected in the 29th round of the 2019 MLB Draft from Miami Springs High School, Nuñez’s journey hadn’t been easy. Initially struggling with a batting average of just .105 in six games with the Lake Elsinore Storm in 2020, he found himself stepping away from his dreams of hitting to pursue a new path on the mound.

After parting ways with the Padres, Nuñez returned to college baseball at Division II Tampa, where his fortunes started to change. With the guidance of Coach Joe Urso, a connection forged through family ties, Nuñez not only found new life on the field but also helped his team clinch the D-II World Series. His transformation to pitching began during this college stint, which ultimately paved the way for him to join the Mets in June 2024.

Transforming Roles

Nuñez’s statistics are truly speaking for themselves. After contributing 11.2 innings with 20 strikeouts during his college career, he joined the Mets and quickly established himself as a notable prospect. In just 14.1 innings for the Mets‘ advanced Class-A affiliate, he recorded 24 strikeouts while allowing only eight baserunners, showcasing remarkable efficiency. His recent promotion to Double-A has further solidified his standing, as he continues to impress with 13 strikeouts in just 8.2 innings over eight appearances.

What’s particularly intriguing is Nuñez’s pitching arsenal. He has incorporated a new 90-mph cutter into his repertoire, complementing a mid-80s slider and a fastball that can reach an eye-popping 96 mph. It’s a significant shift from the infielder’s previous life to now considering pitching as his pathway to the major leagues—a path he originally didn’t foresee.

Draft Insights and Future Prospects

The landscape of Major League Baseball is brimming with potential as the 2025 draft approaches. According to
Bleacher Report, Ethan Holliday is currently the consensus No. 1 pick, yet confidence in him being a sure thing is waning. He finds himself in a three-prospect battle alongside Seth Hernandez and another contender. MLB.com’s Jim Callis notes Hernandez might be the first right-handed pitcher selected, as debates over the top picks heat up.

Meanwhile, keeping an eye on statistics from the 2019 draft, which included Nuñez, is essential for understanding player progression and the potential impact on current rosters. The information available on MLB.com offers a wealth of detail, covering various players and their metrics, from batting averages to on-base percentages, providing a clearer picture of who might be the next breakout star.

It’s indeed a captivating time in baseball, especially for those like Nuñez who are redefining their careers. As the summer heats up, the excitement surrounding draft predictions and player performances only grows stronger. Will Nuñez continue to carve out his niche as a pitcher for the Mets and follow an unconventional path to the majors? There’s certainly something to be said for it, and fans will be watching closely.