The Atlanta Braves made an intriguing signing on Saturday, inking Twitter sensation Chris Nunn to a minor league deal.
It has been a long, strange trip through professional baseball for Chris Nunn. He had originally been drafted by the Padres in 2012, a 24th round selection who showed an immense amount of promise before a hip injury in 2015 derailed his career. After that season, he finished his degree at Lipscomb University, and did some modeling work before giving baseball a chance once again. Nunn did not find much success, bouncing around the Independent Leagues and flaming out with the Astros organization. It seemed as though he would be another prospect who saw his career come to an end due to injuries.
Then, Twitter happened. Nunn became a viral sensation in the previous offseason, pumping 99 MPH heat. That velocity earned him a contract with the Dodgers, as he remained in their organization for all of 2019. A free agent once more, another Twitter video showcasing his improved curve earned Nunn another chance, this time with the Atlanta Braves.
#Braves signing LHP Chris Nunn to minor-league deal, source said. It includes an invite to spring training.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 4, 2020
The 2019 season was a tale of two different years for Nunn. He dominated in AA, posting a 1.33 ERA and a 1.131 WHiP, striking out 27 batters with eight walks in his 20.1 innings for the Tulsa Drillers. That performance earned Nunn a promotion to AAA, where he looked to continue his storybook year.
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Unfortunately, that chapter did not go as planned. He was blasted in AAA, posting an 8.01 ERA and a 2.011 WHiP. Nunn still displayed his impressive strikeout capabilities, as he set down 39 batters in 30.1 innings, but he allowed 16 walks and 45 hits as well.
Now, Nunn is getting another chance. Although he is a longshot to make the Braves Opening Day roster, he could find himself in AAA to begin the season. From there, it could just take a strong performance and an injury or an ineffective reliever for Nunn to get the call. That storybook ending is still a distinct possibility.
Based on the footage, the stuff could potentially be there. A lefty with Nunn’s velocity is always going to intrigue, regardless of his secondary stuff. However, those improvements on his curve, an impressive offering even at 85% intensity, could make the difference. This could be the year that Nunn lives up to that promise he showed all those years ago.
The Atlanta Braves have signed the intriguing Chris Nunn to a minor league deal. The final chapter in his storybook return to affiliated ball has not been written just yet.