Pittsburgh Pirates: Two Former Players Sign With the Cleveland Guardians

Two players who were once members of the Pittsburgh Pirates organization have signed minor league deals with the Cleveland Guardians

Earlier this week, a pair of former Pittsburgh Pirates players signed with the Cleveland Guardians. Both of these deals that were signed were minor league contracts. The two players who signed these deals were left-handed reliever Anthony Banda and catcher Dom Nuñez.

While Banda pitched in the majors with the Pirates, Nuñez only appeared in the minor leagues. In facts, Nuńez has yet to make his MLB debut. Perhaps, the 2024 season with the Gauradians could be the year for Nuñez.

Banda pitched for the Pirates in 2021 and 2022. He was claimed off waivers by the Pirates in August 2021 from the New York Mets, and remained with the organization until he was designated for assignment in June 2022.

The lefty pitched 46.0 innings during his time with the Pirates. Banda posted a 4.70 ERA and a 4.38 FIP during his time with the Pirates. He walked 7.9% of opposing batters, struck out 22.0% of opponents, allowed 7 home runs (1.37 HR/9), and opposing batters hit .304 off of Banda.

For much of his time with the Pirates, it appeared Banda was close to turning the corner to become a quality reliever for the club. Unfortunately, this never happened and his time with the Pirates went up in flames.

As for Nuñez, he spent time during the 2023 season with the Pirate organization. In 18 games played with Triple-A Indianapolis last season, Nuñez had 69 plate appearances. Nuñez hit for a .119/.224/.186 slash line with a 5 wRC+, 10.1% walk rate, and a 26.1% strikeout rate with Indy. Nuñez still has yet to make his MLB debut.