ATLANTA – On Sunday afternoon in the MLB Draft, the D-Backs drafted upside, grit, and a potential foundation for the franchise’s next wave.
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SA Johnson Jaguars Kayson Cunningham (6) slides in safe into 2nd base on the late throw to Westlake Chaparrals Cooper Berry (28) during the sixth inning at the UIL Regional IV Final 6A baseball Round 1 playoff on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Westlake High School in West Lake Hills, TX. © John Gutierrez/Special to American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK
With their first-round pick, Arizona selected electrifying Texas high school shortstop Kayson Cunningham out of Lady Bell Johnson High School, then followed it up with University of Louisville right-hander Patrick Forbes, a rising arm who exploded up draft boards this spring, along with University of Georgia right-handed pitcher Brian Curley to bolster their pitching depth.
With the 18th pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, we have selected INF Kayson Cunningham from Lady Bird Johnson HS (TX). pic.twitter.com/wtDjVypGaT
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) July 13, 2025
Let’s get to work, @KaysonCunningha. pic.twitter.com/tVX9XICipE
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) July 14, 2025
Kayson Cunningham, the 18th overall pick, brings a blend of polish and athleticism rarely seen from high school infielders. Though undersized on paper, his glove is advanced, his first-step quickness jumps, and his bat control at the plate has drawn comparisons to top-tier leadoff hitters. Cunningham plays with an edge, the kind that turns raw ability into production.
D-Backs add pitching depth:
With the 29th pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, we have selected RHP Patrick Forbes from Louisville. pic.twitter.com/SrgYCEAvLv
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) July 14, 2025
Jun 13, 2025; Omaha, Neb, USA; Louisville Cardinals starting pitcher Patrick Forbes (1) throws against the Oregon State Beavers during the fourth inning at Charles Schwab Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images
Patrick Forbes is a righty that brings a fastball that lives in the mid-90s with late life, and a sharp slider that flashes swing-and-miss potential. Still learning the craft on the mound, Forbes is considered a developmental arm with front-line traits if things fall into place.
With the 92nd pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, we have selected RHP Brian Curley from the University of Georgia. pic.twitter.com/yRr6a5ze1x
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) July 14, 2025
Arizona wasn’t done there, as with the 92nd pick in the MLB Draft, the D-Backs drafted right-handed pitcher Brian Curley from the University of Georgia. Together, the picks signal a sharp, balanced strategy. It’s a win-now organization that is planning for later quietly building a pipeline for Arizona for years to come.
Georgia pitcher Brian Curley (7) gets set to pitch during a NCAA baseball game against Texas A&M in Athens, Ga., on Friday, May 16, 2025. © Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Diamondbacks hold strong and avoid sweep against Angels on Sunday
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
