The Angels made an announcement on Wednesday that they have acquired right-handed pitcher Guillermo Zuñiga from the Cardinals. Zuñiga had been previously designated for assignment by the Cardinals. In exchange for Zuñiga, the Angels sent cash to St. Louis. To create room on their 40-man roster, the Halos designated right-handed pitcher Austin Warren for assignment.
Zuñiga, who is 25 years old, made his debut in the major leagues with the Cardinals in 2023. During his debut, he pitched for two innings and allowed one run on two hits with four strikeouts. This remains his only experience in the MLB so far. After becoming a free agent in the minor leagues following the 2022 season, Zuñiga signed a surprising contract with the Cardinals. However, he spent most of his time in the Triple-A Memphis, where he struggled with a high ERA of 7.63 in 30 2/3 innings.
Although the results may not be impressive, Zuñiga possesses a fastball that reaches triple digits and has the ability to generate strikeouts. However, like many pitchers with such impressive fastball velocity, he has struggled with his command throughout his time in the minor leagues. In Triple-A last year, Zuñiga walked 13.7% of his opponents and has issued walks to 10.6% of his minor league opponents.
Zuñiga still has two remaining option years in the minor leagues, allowing the Angels to freely move him between Anaheim and their Triple-A affiliate in Salt Lake this season and the next, as long as he remains on the team’s 40-man roster. Unless he is designated for assignment again, Zuñiga will join the Angels in the big league camp and compete for a spot in the revamped bullpen, which has added veterans Robert Stephenson, Matt Moore, Luis Garcia, Adam Cimber, and Jose Cisnero through free agent signings this offseason.
More information will be provided in the future.