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Diamondbacks Select High School Shortstop Kayson Cunningham at No. 18

He will bypass his University of Texas commitment to begin his pro career in Arizona’s system, continuing the team’s focus on athletic up-the-middle talent.

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Johnson Jaguars Kayson Cunningham (6) completes a double play. O'Connor defeat Johnson11-4 in game two of their baseball playoff game at North East Sports Complex on Friday, May 1, 2025.
Westlake Chaparrals' Blake Peterson slides into second base ahead of the tag from SA Johnson Jaguars' Kayson Cunningham at the UIL Regional IV Final 6A baseball Round 1 playoff on June 1, 2023, at Westlake High School in West Lake Hills, TX.
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Overview

  • The Diamondbacks used the 18th overall pick on Lady Bird Johnson High shortstop Kayson Cunningham, marking the first time a San Antonio prep player went in Round 1 since 2016.
  • Cunningham plans to forgo his University of Texas commitment to sign with Arizona, entering the Diamondbacks’ developmental pipeline.
  • He closed his senior season with a .509/.607/.769 slash line, 27 RBIs and 23 extra-base hits to earn Gatorade’s 2025 Texas Baseball Player of the Year award.
  • After batting .417 for Team USA at the Under-18 World Cup qualifier in Panama, he captured tournament MVP honors and was named USA Baseball’s 2024 Player of the Year.
  • Scouts and MLB Pipeline rank Cunningham among the top pure hitters in the high school class and praise his bat speed, contact ability and fit with Arizona’s athletic up-the-middle strategy.