Another New York Yankees farmhand is getting some attention around the league this week. Pitching prospect Bryce Cunningham made his professional debut, and was stunning in his outing.
With a slow offensive start for the Bronx prospects, the pitching prospects have gotten the bulk of the attention on the farm. Yankees prospect Ben Hess made his debut shortly after Cunningham, and that too was impeccable.
Cunningham, though, was the lead-off event, and he did not disappoint. The right-hander is ranked sixth in the Yankees’ farm system, behind Will Warren and ahead of Roderick Arias.
In the midst of a pitching semi-crisis with the big club, it is refreshing to see these prospect arms flourish in their respective capacities. These performances build report cards for the consideration of the future.
Pitching Prospect Bryce Cunningham’s Debut Was Dominant Against Jersey Shore
Hudson Valley took on the Jersey Shore BlueClaws on April 6 with Cunningham on the hill in a High-A matchup. The starting pitcher recorded a similar line to Hess, and accomplished similar things.
The prospect showed plenty of dominance over five innings pitched. He allowed five hits, two earned runs, no walks, and an impressive seven strikeouts, leading to a win for Cunningham. Hudson Valley took a 6-2 victory.
Cunningham finished with a total of 75 pitches, 55 of those being strikes. He also forced two groundouts and two flyouts in 20 batters faced.
Cunningham appeared very fresh on the mound with a repeated delivery, composure in his offerings, and a confident use of his options. His mechanics and delivery resemble those of Yankees star Gerrit Cole.
The big right-hander is expected to climb the ranks of the Yankees’ farm system quickly. There’s a chance he could get time in with the Double-A or Triple-A team within this year.
Cunningham’s Background and Overview
The sixth-ranked Yankees prospect has a strong ability to put up meaningful work on the mound. He was drafted in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft by the Yankees. Cunningham played his college ball for the Vanderbilt Commodores.
The 22-year-old stands an athletic 6’5”, weighing 230 pounds, and has a rubber arm from the right side. He offers a three-pitch mix, led by a four-seam fastball, slider, and changeup. The heater tops at 97 mph, and is consistently at 95 mph.
His command is ranked a 50 on the grade scale, but his misses on the zone cost him extra base hits and barrel-type swings. Cunningham needs to be able to stay on the corners and work low.
The prospect’s changeup works low with sink and fading action, keeping the bats off-balance. His slider is also a contribution, with horizontal movement and deception. The changeup is clearly his put-away option. This will be in use parallel to the four seamer.
Cunningham could further develop the slider for more insurance, or even adding one more pitch helps. Another out pitch would fit into his repertoire.
Cunningham has what it takes to grow quickly within the organization. 2025 will be a big year for him, and ideally will lead to a promotion.
