He played for the New York Mets and Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1986 to 1988.

Anderson would spend the next six seasons shuttling between Double-A Jackson and Tidewater, being continually passed up for promotion to the majors while more promising prospects (such as future all-stars Dwight Gooden, Sid Fernandez, Ron Darling, Rick Aguilera, Randy Myers, and Roger McDowell) debuted with the big club.

[3] After pleading "All I want is one chance to prove myself" to Mets assistant general manager Joe McIlvaine prior to the 1986 season,[3] Anderson's wish was granted.

He made his major league debut on June 9 against the Philadelphia Phillies, pitching seven innings and allowing only one unearned run while striking out five in a no-decision.

[7] Pitching rich in 1986, Anderson was left off the Mets' postseason roster and was only able to celebrate their eventual World Series championship as a spectator on the bench.

On March 27, 1987, Anderson was traded to the Kansas City Royals, along with Mets backup catcher Ed Hearn and minor league pitcher Mauro Gozzo, for future star pitcher David Cone and minor league outfielder Chris Jelic.