Jake Cunningham

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #140 prospect in 2023 draft
  School: Charlotte Source: 4YR
  
  Commit/Drafted: Never Drafted
  Age At Draft: 21
  BA Grade:45/Extreme
  Tools:Hit: 40. Power: 55. Run: 60. Field: 55. Arm: 50.
  
  A Charlotte native who stayed in his hometown to attend college, Cunningham struggled offensively in his 2021 freshman season, but exploded in 2022, when he hit .304/.410/.595 with 16 home runs and 16 stolen bases. Listed at 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, Cunningham has a big and athletic frame that could still add more weight, with a high-upside package of tools including power, speed and center field defense. His 2023 season started slowly after an ankle injury that limited him early, and he also missed time after getting cleated and needing stitches, but overall he hit .267/.359/.519 with 11 home runs and 14 doubles. It was an injury-plagued, down year for Cunningham when he needed a strong one to reinforce his hitting chops, as scouts have wondered about his pure hit tool thanks to contact concerns and limited track record in summer leagues with a wood bat. Cunningham also struggled against the 92-plus mph velocity his saw this spring. When he does make contact he hits the ball hard and has plus raw power with a 94 mph average exit velocity and 111 mph 90th percentile exit velocity this spring. When healthy he’s also been a plus runner and savvy basestealer, though post-injury in 2023 he stole just one base on one attempt. He has a chance to be an above-average defender in center field with solid arm strength. If he hits Cunningham could be an impact player, but there’s plenty of risk with his pure hit tool.