What Future Does Malcom Nuñez Have with the Pirates?
In the more recent years, the St. Louis Cardinals have made a splash, when it comes to signing amateur players out of Cuba.
The best example of this was in 2018 - signing La Habana native, Malcom Nuñez, to a bonus of $300,000.
Nuñez debuted in ‘18 - playing in the Dominican Summer League, where he completely went off on opposing pitchers. While receiving just 199 plate appearances, he managed to hit 13 home runs, and put up an incredible 1.272 OPS.
2022 was a productive season for Nuñez, as he played at the AA level, for the Springfield Cardinals. In 350 plate appearances, he clubbed 17 homers, and recorded an OPS of .823.
On the eve of last season’s trade deadline, Nuñez found himself, along with fellow Cuban, Johan Oviedo, going to the Pittsburgh Pirates, as part of the José Quintana deal.
At the time of the trade, Baseball America and MLB Pipeline both ranked Nuñez as the 13th best prospect, within the Cardinals’ system.
Nuñez reported to AA Altoona - following the transaction. During his time with the Curve, he slashed .286/.381/.476, in 126 plate appearances.
Before the 2022 season concluded, Nuñez was given a cup of coffee, with AAA Indianapolis - hitting .231, in five games.
Last offseason, the Pirates chose to leave Nuñez unprotected from the Rule 5 Draft. He was not selected.
The 22-year-old Nuñez started out this season for Indianapolis. April was a mighty struggle for him, with a woeful, line of .173/.218/.247. However, things began to really click for Nuñez, in the month of May - slashing .357/.478/.536.
Unfortunately for Nuñez, he sustained a right shoulder impingement on May 24th, which caused him to miss all of June, and most of July.
After rehabbing at the A ball levels, with Bradenton and Greensboro, Nuñez rejoined Indianapolis earlier this week. On Friday, he connected on a two-run homer against the Nashville Sounds.
While there’s a chance Nuñez could be a September call up, for the Pirates, it’s probably doubtful - given the amount of time he spent on the injured list this season. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him play winter ball, in order to make up for lost playing time.
Nuñez will be Rule 5 eligible again this offseason. Since teams aren’t typically choosing first basemen, Nuñez likely won’t get picked.
In addition to first base, third base is another position that Nuñez plays. Although he has a good arm to be at the hot corner, his lack of range is an issue.
Throughout his minor league career, Nuñez has done very well getting on base, as he’s posted a .367 OBP. He does have good power, but the question is - will that translate in the big leagues, especially at PNC Park, which isn’t too friendly to right-handed batters?
My realistic expectation for Nuñez is that because of his defensive inefficiencies, as well as his limited versatility, he would destined for a DH role in Pittsburgh. If he also gets a chance to play first base, it could be done so, in a platoon situation.