Arizona has made their first selection of the 2025 draft.
After a rather surprising first two picks in the draft, it became very apparent that this year’s draft was going to be a wild one. However, by the time the #18 pick rolled around, some things finally settled themselves into a bit of normalcy. With that being the case, Arizona chose to select Kayson Cunningham with the 18th overall pick in the draft.
Kayson Cunningham, SS/2B, Johnson HS (San Antonio) – committed to Texas
DOB: 25 June 2006
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 182 lbs.
B/L: L/R
Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 45 | Run: 60 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 55
Here is what Baseball America has to say about Cunningham:
BA Grade: 55/High
In a 2025 class filled with talented prep shortstops, it is Cunningham who can lay claim to being USA Baseball’s 18U National Team shortstop in 2024. It’s also Cunningham who can claim to be the best pure hitter in the class—high school or otherwise. Listed at 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, he is a lefthanded hitter with a quick, efficient and adjustable swing that has allowed him to perform at a high level against top arms in the class for years. He’s one of the most difficult hitters in the class to strike out and rarely swings and misses. Cunningham has the sort of standout contact ability that allows him to expand the zone and get away with it, which could be an area for him to rein in once he starts facing better competition. In general, he has a sound approach and uses the entire field with a swing and raw power that are better fits for hitting line drives into the gaps than leaving the yard with a ton of frequency—though he does have impressive bat speed and swings with plenty of intent. Cunningham is a short-strider at the plate, but he’s quick enough to regularly deliver plus run times from home to first out of the lefthanded batter’s box. He’s a good athlete who should be able to stick in the middle infield, though his actions and arm strength might be a tick light for shortstop and a better fit for second base. Cunningham is committed to Texas and will be 19 years old on draft day, but his plus pure hitting potential should make him a safe first-round pick.
Assuming Arizona has no issues in signing Cunningham (and there is no reason to suspect otherwise), Cunningham likely slots in as the organization’s fourth or fifth best prospect.
More coverage to follow.