Kayson Cunningham, SS, Johnson (TX): Rising Star Shows Defensive Promise Ahead of 2025 Draft
Kayson Cunningham continues to impress scouts as one of the top shortstop prospects in the 2025 class. The 5’7″, 182-pound infielder from Johnson High School in Texas combines a medium athletic build with present strength that translates well on the diamond. His draft stock has significantly increased over the past year, with many analysts now projecting him as a potential early-round selection in the 2025 MLB Draft.
What stands out about Cunningham isn’t just his physical tools but his baseball IQ. The left-handed hitter and right-handed thrower has shown an advanced approach at the plate, making quality adjustments that have helped him outpace earlier projections. His defensive actions at shortstop remain smooth and efficient, though some scouts believe he could eventually slide to second base at the next level.
Cunningham has been making the rounds on the showcase circuit, recently appearing with the USA Prime National and Detroit Tigers Scout Team. His performances have been documented by talent evaluators across multiple platforms, with recent video highlights from June 2024 demonstrating why he’s considered a consummate performer.
Contents
- 1 Early Life and High School Career
- 2 Kayson Cunningham’s Scouting Report
- 3 Recruitment and College Commitment
- 4 Statistics and Rankings
- 5 Exposure and Public Recognition
- 6 Comparisons and Professional Prospects
- 7 External Factors Influencing Career
- 8 Community and Extracurricular Activities
- 9 Peer Perspectives
Early Life and High School Career
Kayson Cunningham emerged as one of Texas’s premier high school shortstops at Johnson High School in San Antonio, combining exceptional defensive skills with impressive hitting ability. His journey from promising young athlete to top national prospect showcases his development and potential.
High School Achievements
Cunningham’s career at Johnson High School has been nothing short of remarkable. The 5-10, 175-pound shortstop established himself as an elite defender with quick hands and excellent range. His performance earned him recognition as the nation’s top high school baseball prospect.
At the Perfect Game All-American Classic, Cunningham wowed scouts by hitting seven home runs in the derby competition. His medium athletic build with present strength gives him both power and finesse at the plate.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Position | SS/2B |
| Height/Weight | 5’10”, 175 lbs |
| Bats/Throws | R/R |
| High School | Johnson (San Antonio, TX) |
| Class | 2025 |
Cunningham’s MLB draft stock has soared, with many scouts projecting him as a potential first-round selection in 2025. His combination of defensive ability and developing power makes him an intriguing prospect.
Influence of Alumni
Johnson High School has developed a reputation for producing high-caliber baseball talent, creating a legacy that Cunningham now carries forward. The program’s emphasis on fundamentals and competitive excellence has shaped his approach to the game.
Initially committed to Texas Tech over two years ago, Cunningham recently changed his commitment to the University of Texas. He announced this decision with humility, stating he was “super blessed” to further his academic and athletic career with the Longhorns.
The influence of former Johnson players who succeeded at collegiate and professional levels has been significant in Cunningham’s development. Their guidance has helped him navigate the recruitment process and prepare for the heightened expectations.
Despite his already lofty ranking, Cunningham continues to refine his skills, showing the work ethic and determination that separates elite prospects from their peers.
Kayson Cunningham’s Scouting Report
Kayson Cunningham has established himself as one of the top shortstop prospects in the 2025 MLB Draft class. His well-rounded skill set combines defensive prowess with an advanced approach at the plate, making him a potential early-round selection.
Defensive Skills
Cunningham’s defensive ability at shortstop stands out immediately. He displays smooth actions in the field with quick hands and excellent footwork that allow him to cover significant ground. His arm strength is above-average for the position, enabling him to make throws from deep in the hole with accuracy.
What separates Cunningham defensively is his baseball IQ. He positions himself well before pitches and shows anticipation that belies his age. His internal clock for knowing when to rush plays versus when to set his feet is already advanced.
The San Antonio Johnson standout has also shown versatility, taking reps at second base, which suggests positional flexibility that MLB teams covet. His glove-to-hand transfer is particularly quick, helping him turn double plays efficiently.
Offensive Capabilities
At the plate, Cunningham’s left-handed swing is his calling card. His quick, efficient and adjustable swing allows him to cover all areas of the strike zone with surprising pop for his frame.
Contact ability rates as Cunningham’s strongest offensive tool. He rarely strikes out and shows discipline beyond his years, working counts and recognizing spin. His approach is mature—willing to use all fields rather than selling out for power.
While not primarily a power hitter, Cunningham generates surprising exit velocities, suggesting more power potential as he matures physically. His speed plays up on the bases, where he’s shown good instincts and aggressiveness.
| Batting Stats | Value |
|---|---|
| Bats/Throws | L/R |
| Hit Tool | 55/80 |
| Power | 45/80 |
| Speed | 60/80 |
Physical Attributes
Standing 5-foot-7 and 182 pounds, Cunningham has a compact, athletic build. Though not imposing physically, he makes the most of his frame with excellent body control and coordination. His size hasn’t limited his ability to impact the game.
His athleticism shows up in all facets. Cunningham possesses above-average speed that plays both defensively and on the basepaths. His quick-twitch movements and balance allow him to make difficult plays look routine.
Despite his smaller stature, Cunningham shows surprising strength in his swing. Most scouts believe he has room to add functional strength without sacrificing mobility. At just 18 years old, his body still has development ahead.
Work Ethic and Team Play
Coaches consistently praise Cunningham’s approach to the game. He’s known as one of the hardest workers on his team, often arriving early for additional fielding and hitting practice. His preparation routines have become legendary within the Johnson program.
As a leader, Cunningham leads by example rather than with vocal demonstrations. Teammates gravitate toward his consistent approach and even-keeled demeanor. He handles both success and failure with the same professional attitude.
Cunningham has committed to the University of Texas, though his rising draft stock will likely present him with a difficult decision in 2025. MLB scouts have become fixtures at Johnson games, with Cunningham projected as a potential first-day selection in the upcoming draft.
His makeup grades as highly as his physical tools, which often separates prospects who maximize their abilities from those who plateau early.
Recruitment and College Commitment
Kayson Cunningham’s path to college baseball has been marked by significant attention from top programs, ultimately leading to a commitment that turned heads in Texas baseball circles.
Interest from College Coaches
Cunningham, widely regarded as the top prospect in Texas for the 2025 class, has been on the radar of major college programs throughout his high school career. His impressive combination of athleticism and baseball IQ made him a priority recruit for numerous Power 5 schools.
The 5-10, 175-pound shortstop from San Antonio Johnson High School possesses a medium athletic build with noticeable present strength. These physical tools, combined with his on-field performance, created significant buzz among college coaches.
Verbal Commitment
In what became one of the more notable recruiting developments in Texas baseball, Cunningham initially committed to Texas Tech before making a dramatic change. In July 2024, he flipped his commitment to the University of Texas in Austin.
Cunningham announced his decision on social media, writing that he was “super blessed to announce I’ll be furthering my academic and athletic commitment to the University of Texas”. This commitment represented a major recruiting win for new Texas coach Jim Schlossnagle.
Player Profile:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | SS/2B |
| Bats/Throws | R/R |
| Height/Weight | 5’10″/175 lbs |
| High School | Johnson (San Antonio, TX) |
| MLB Draft Prospect | Potential early-round selection in 2025 |
Statistics and Rankings
Kayson Cunningham has established himself as one of the premier high school shortstops in the country with exceptional batting numbers and top-tier national rankings. His consistent performance at Johnson High School has positioned him as a coveted MLB draft prospect while also securing a commitment to the University of Texas.
High School Statistics
The numbers don’t lie when it comes to Cunningham’s production at the plate. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound senior shortstop boasts an impressive .445 career batting average at San Antonio Johnson High School. What makes Cunningham special isn’t just his bat, though—it’s his exceptional speed, evidenced by a 6.53 60-yard dash time.
| Stat Category | Performance |
|---|---|
| Height/Weight | 5’7″ – 182.3 lbs |
| Bats/Throws | L/R |
| Career Average | .445 |
| 60-yard dash | 6.53 seconds |
| Travel Team | USA Prime National / Detroit Tigers Scout Team |
National Rankings
Cunningham’s talents haven’t gone unnoticed on the national stage. According to Prep Baseball Report, he ranks as the #1 player in Texas and #1 shortstop in the state. Nationally, he sits at an impressive #5 overall and #3 among shortstops.
Scouts praise his quick hands and exceptional lateral movement at shortstop. Though committed to the University of Texas, Cunningham is widely expected to be an early-round selection in the MLB draft given his elite rankings and production.
His standing among the most viewed profiles on Prep Baseball Report (#16 in 2022) further illustrates the significant attention he’s garnered from scouts and college recruiters alike.
Exposure and Public Recognition
Kayson Cunningham has steadily built his reputation as one of Texas’ premier shortstops through high-profile showcases, accolades, and increasing media attention. His combination of defensive skills and hitting ability has put him on the radar for both college programs and professional scouts.
Showcase Participation
Cunningham has leveraged Perfect Game showcases to significantly raise his profile on the national stage. The 5-10, 175-pound San Antonio native has demonstrated his defensive prowess at shortstop and second base through these elite events, which typically attract scouts from across the country.
Beyond Perfect Game, he’s also competed with the USA Prime National team and joined the Detroit Tigers Scout Team, according to his Prep Baseball Report profile. These affiliations have provided critical exposure to professional organizations.
The Johnson High School standout has used these platforms to display his L/R hitting/throwing profile, compact power, and fluid defensive skills. Several evaluators note his advanced baseball IQ and ability to perform under pressure at showcases featuring the nation’s top talent.
Awards and Honors
Cunningham’s trophy case continues to expand with well-deserved recognition. Though still relatively young at 18 years and 9 months old, he’s already established himself as an elite infield prospect in Texas.
His selection to represent the Texas High School Baseball cover stands as a testament to his standing within the state’s baseball community. This honor typically goes to players considered among the best in their class.
| Measurables | Details |
|---|---|
| Height/Weight | 5’7″ – 182.3 lbs |
| Bats/Throws | L/R |
| School | SA Johnson (TX) |
| Travel Teams | USA Prime National / Detroit Tigers Scout Team |
District and regional honors have accumulated throughout his high school career, with coaches frequently praising his defensive reliability and consistent offensive production.
Media Coverage
Cunningham’s profile has risen through both traditional and social media channels. His prospect video on YouTube showcases his smooth infield actions and compact swing, providing visibility to coaches and scouts nationwide.
On social platforms, Cunningham announced his commitment to baseball powerhouse University of Texas, a decision that generated significant attention in recruiting circles. “By the grace of God, I’m super blessed to announce I’ll be furthering my academic and athletic commitment to the University of Texas,” he shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Despite his Texas commitment, Cunningham is widely expected to draw serious MLB Draft interest. Multiple outlets project him as a potential early-round selection in the 2025 draft, with scouts particularly valuing his defensive instincts and developing power potential.
Comparisons and Professional Prospects
Kayson Cunningham’s combination of advanced hitting ability and defensive skills has drawn significant attention from MLB scouts. His projected draft position continues to rise as he showcases his talents against elite competition.
Scout Comparisons
Scouts frequently mention Cunningham’s advanced approach at the plate, comparing his swing mechanics to established MLB middle infielders. The 5’10”, 175-pound frame provides a solid foundation for his left-handed swing that generates surprising pop.
His defensive actions remind evaluators of players who successfully transitioned from shortstop to second base at the professional level. The comparison making rounds in scouting circles is a “more athletic version of Adam Frazier with better power potential.”
What stands out most is Cunningham’s baseball IQ. He processes information quickly and makes adjustments between at-bats that players 3-4 years older struggle with implementing.
| Tool | Grade | MLB Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Hit | 60 | Adam Frazier |
| Power | 50 | Nick Madrigal |
| Run | 55 | Tommy Edman |
| Field | 55 | Brendan Rodgers |
| Arm | 50 | Jean Segura |
MLB Draft Potential
Cunningham has firmly established himself among the top prospects for the 2025 MLB Draft. Various publications consistently rank him in the top 10, with Prep Baseball Report listing him 5th overall.
The Texas commit has been on scouts’ radar since age 12 when he first appeared at a Future Stars Series Scout Day. That early identification speaks to his natural talent that has only developed further.
Despite his commitment to Texas, Cunningham projects as a likely first-round selection. Teams picking in the 5-15 range will be watching him closely this spring as he looks to cement his status as the premier prep middle infielder in the class.
External Factors Influencing Career
Kayson Cunningham’s development as one of Texas’s top baseball prospects has been shaped by several external influences that have helped mold his approach to the game. His environment and support system have played crucial roles in his journey toward becoming an elite shortstop with professional potential.
Influence of Location
Growing up in baseball-rich Texas has provided Cunningham with distinct advantages. The year-round playing weather in San Antonio allows for extended development time that northern prospects simply don’t get. At Johnson High School, he benefits from the state’s competitive high school baseball environment.
Texas high school baseball has produced countless MLB stars, giving Cunningham exposure to quality competition and coaching. This Texas baseball culture has refined his game against elite talent.
College programs across Texas provide another advantage. After initially committing to Texas Tech, Cunningham made headlines by flipping his commitment to the University of Texas under new coach Jim Schlossnagle.
Family and Personal Life
Cunningham’s family support system has been instrumental in his development. His rigorous training regimen and travel baseball schedule require significant family investment of time and resources.
While maintaining his 5’10”, 175-pound athletic frame, Cunningham has balanced academics with athletic pursuits. His Perfect Game profile highlights his medium athletic build with present strength.
MLB scouts have taken notice of his work ethic and character development. As potentially the number one baseball recruit in Texas, his draft prospects are significant, though his Texas commitment provides leverage.
Cunningham’s Key Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Height/Weight | 5’10”, 175 lbs |
| Bats/Throws | Right/Right |
| College Commitment | University of Texas |
| Projected Draft Position | Early rounds (2025) |
| Home State | Texas |
Community and Extracurricular Activities
Beyond the baseball diamond, Kayson Cunningham demonstrates the same dedication to excellence in his community engagements and leadership roles that he shows as a shortstop for Johnson High School.
Community Service
Cunningham has developed a reputation for giving back to the San Antonio community that has supported his athletic journey. He regularly volunteers at youth baseball clinics, sharing his skills with elementary and middle school players hoping to follow in his footsteps.
During the off-season, Kayson participates in the Johnson High School athlete outreach program. This initiative connects varsity athletes with local elementary schools for reading sessions and mentorship opportunities.
His commitment extends to broader community needs as well. Cunningham has been spotted helping at local food drives organized by the Northeast Independent School District, showing that his influence reaches beyond baseball.
Leadership Roles
As one of Johnson’s standout players, Cunningham has embraced leadership responsibilities both on and off the field. He serves as a team captain for the Jaguars, a role that teammates say he’s earned through consistent performance and work ethic.
In the classroom, Kayson maintains a strong academic record while participating in Johnson’s Student-Athlete Leadership Council. This group works to improve school spirit and foster connections between various sports programs.
His leadership qualities haven’t gone unnoticed by college recruiters. After initially committing to Texas Tech, Cunningham flipped his commitment to the University of Texas, where he’ll likely continue his pattern of community involvement while pursuing both academic and athletic excellence.
Peer Perspectives
Those who know Kayson Cunningham best offer unique insights into his character, work ethic, and abilities that statistics alone can’t capture. His reputation among teammates, coaches, and program alumni reveals the intangibles that make him a standout prospect.
Feedback from Teammates
Shortstop Xavier Neyens doesn’t mince words when discussing his double-play partner. “Kayson’s baseball IQ is off the charts. He sees things developing before they happen.”
Third baseman Seth Hernandez points to Cunningham’s leadership qualities. “He’s not the loudest guy, but when he speaks, everyone listens. His preparation is what sets him apart.”
“The way he handles failure is impressive,” adds outfielder Billy Carlson. “He might go 0-for-3, but he’s the same guy in the dugout, keeping everyone locked in.”
Fellow infielder Ethan Holliday, son of former MLB All-Star Matt Holliday, sees big things ahead. “His hands are so quick. The ball just explodes off his bat. He’s going to make some MLB organization very happy.”
Coaches’ Observations
Johnson High School head coach Dean Moss believes Cunningham’s high-energy style separates him from peers.
“What impresses me most is his consistency,” Moss explains. “He shows up with the same intensity whether it’s practice or a playoff game.”
Assistant coach Sean Gamble, who played professionally in the Phillies organization, sees the professional traits. “His pre-game routine is already major league quality. He’s methodical but not mechanical.”
Hitting instructor Kruz Schoolcraft raves about Cunningham’s approach. “His short, left-handed stroke generates tremendous bat speed. He’s not trying to launch everything—he understands situation hitting.”
The coaching staff unanimously praises his defensive acumen. Despite questions about his size (5’10”, 178 lbs), they believe he has the tools to stick at shortstop long-term.
Alumni Insights
Recent Johnson graduate and current Texas Longhorn Gavin Fien sees similarities to his own journey. “Kayson has that rare combination of confidence without arrogance. His Texas commitment is just the first step.”
Brady Ebel, now in the Dodgers’ farm system, acknowledges Cunningham’s developmental trajectory. “His growth from sophomore to senior year has been remarkable. He’s added power without sacrificing contact.”
Several alumni point to Cunningham’s makeup as his greatest asset. “The kid just gets it,” says a former teammate now playing at TCU. “He understands the game’s mental side better than most college players.”
MLB scouts regularly consult with program alumni about Cunningham’s character, and the responses are consistently positive. With the 2025 MLB Draft approaching, his stock continues to rise among those who know him best.
