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 stories and electric stuff that could reshape the team’s late-inning strategy.
Acquired in separate trades with the Mets—Nunez for Cedric Mullins and Foster for Gregory Soto—both pitchers were added to the 40-man roster last fall. Now, they’re knocking on the door to make the Opening Day bullpen after impressing in spring training. “They both threw great for us after the trade deadline,” said Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias. “We’re excited about their potential.”
Anthony Nunez, a 24-year-old with a story that’s as compelling as his fastball, began his career as an infielder after being drafted by the Padres out of high school in 2019. Released in 2021, he pivoted to Division II Tampa, where he excelled as a hitter and helped the team win a national championship in 2024—all while transitioning to pitching. Now, he’s a full-time pitcher with a jaw-dropping 38% strikeout rate across three levels in 2025, finishing the year as the closer for Triple-A Norfolk. His upper-90s fastballs and a devastating kick changeup/sweeper combo have Orioles brass buzzing about his ceiling.
Cameron Foster, who turns 27 this season, dominated the Eastern League before the trade and posted a 3.38 ERA with a 33% strikeout rate at Triple-A afterward. His mid-90s four-seamer and high-80s cutter are his calling cards, but it’s his ability to miss bats consistently that has the Orioles intrigued. But here’s where it gets controversial: With Ryan Helsley projected as the closer and Andrew Kittredge as a veteran option, where do Nunez and Foster fit? Are they ready for high-leverage roles, or will they need more seasoning?**
The Orioles’ bullpen hierarchy is far from settled beyond Helsley and Kittredge, leaving plenty of room for Nunez and Foster to make their mark. And this is the part most people miss: If either pitcher can build on their 2025 success, they could become key pieces in a bullpen that’s already defied expectations. But the question remains: Can two relatively unproven arms handle the pressure of the big leagues? Let us know what you think in the comments—are Nunez and Foster the real deal, or is it too soon to crown them as the next bullpen stars?
