Nuñez tallies first multihit performance in Fall League
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PEORIA, Ariz. -- Back in July, Nasim Nuñez stood on the field at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. He had just won the 2023 Futures Game MVP, and handing him the award was Ken Griffey Jr., a player Nuñez studied when he was younger.
The moment had an added significance for the No. 17 Marlins prospect, whose grandfather passed away just a little over a week earlier.
“The biggest moment for me was winning the MVP award after my grandfather had just passed away,” Nuñez said after the Javelinas' 8-3 win over the Desert Dogs on Friday night. “My grandpa just passed away. My family, my girlfriend and her family were there, so that was something memorable."
The 23-year-old infielder still carries his grandfather's legacy in the form of a tattoo on his neck. It’s what's fueled him through a full season in Double-A and now, the Arizona Fall League.
“He believed in me as much as my family believed in me, if not more,” Nuñez said. “He means everything to me.”
Nuñez went 2-for-5 with an RBI and also made a handful of great defensive plays at shortstop. The Marlins have had high hopes for the Bronx, N.Y., native, who was a second-round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft. Instead of following through with his commitment to Clemson, he signed for $2.2 million, which was over the estimated slot value.
Nuñez has all the qualities of a Gold Glove caliber player, but his hitting remains an area of improvement. In a full season of Double-A this season, he slashed .224/.341/.286 with an OPS of .627.
The switch-hitter said he knows one way to improve is by becoming more physical, but being mentally tough is another quality that he knows can propel his career in the right direction.
“I had a lot of lessons throughout the season that are gonna help me do great things in the big leagues,” Nuñez said. “Things on the developmental side that some players don't get in the big leagues. I got it in the Minors so it was a great season.”
Like many players, Nuñez was excited at the opportunity to play in the AFL. It’s been a big transition for him, coming from the East Coast, playing six days a week and being away from his family. However, he feels challenges like that can be beneficial for his personal and professional development.
“I believe that the game will let you know what you need to work on,” he said. “So I'll go along with that as we play here, and if there's something I need to work on, I’ll work on it.”
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Along with Nuñez, Carson Williams had an impressive day. The Rays' No. 2 prospect reached base four times with two hits and two doubles.
“This is the most talented group of baseball players or team that I've ever played on,” Williams said. “It’s really fun to watch and be around, so I give all the guys credit.”