Kayson Cunningham reflects on draft day emotions, next steps with Arizona Diamondbacks The phenom sat down with KSAT 12 Sports for an exclusive interview
Kayson Cunningham’s lifelong dream became reality on Sunday when the Arizona Diamondbacks selected the 19-year-old shortstop from Johnson High School with the No. 18 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft.
The left-handed-hitting phenom is widely regarded as the best pure hitter among high school prospects in this year’s class.
With a projected signing bonus north of $4 million, Cunningham’s journey from being a UIL Class 6A standout to first-rounder has silenced the doubters about his 5 feet, 10 inches, 182-pound frame.
In an exclusive interview with KSAT Sports Director Larry Ramirez on Thursday, Cunningham opened up about the whirlwind emotions of draft week, his mindset moving forward and the next steps in his professional career.
Related coverage on KSAT
Copyright 2025 by KSAT - All rights reserved.
About the Authors Mary Rominger headshot
Mary Rominger is KSAT 12 Sports' first full-time female sports anchor and reporter.
She came to San Antonio from Mankato, Minn., where she worked as a weekend sports anchor at KEYC News Now. She has a journalism degree from Iowa State University and grew up in Southern California.
Mary enjoys golfing, sports and finding new spots around town.
Larry Ramirez headshot
Larry Ramirez joined the KSAT 12 sports team in October 2004.
Alamo Heights family released from ICE detention facility in Dilley ▶ 1:07
Alamo Heights family released from ICE detention facility in Dilley
You applied for a texas education freedom account—Now what? ▶ 1:21
You applied for a texas education freedom account—Now what?
Bombshell allegations against the son of a Norteño legend. ▶ 0:47
Bombshell allegations against the son of a Norteño legend.
New City Department Finds Major Gaps in Homeless Services ▶ 0:47
New City Department Finds Major Gaps in Homeless Services
Family identifies migrant found dead in Bexar County ▶ 1:55
Family identifies migrant found dead in Bexar County
The Cost of Living in SA Is Changing — Here's What You Need to Know ▶ 1:18
The Cost of Living in SA Is Changing — Here's What You Need to Know
The tiny shop putting the South Side on the map ▶ 1:03
The tiny shop putting the South Side on the map
Spurs fans go honking down Commerce after R2G5 ▶ 0:41
Spurs fans go honking down Commerce after R2G5
Countdown to Spurs v. Timberwolves Game 5 ▶ 0:36
Countdown to Spurs v. Timberwolves Game 5
Check out these texas-sized homemade spurs barbeque pits ▶ 1:08
Check out these texas-sized homemade spurs barbeque pits
These Women-Owned Businesses Are Riding the Spurs Wave ▶ 0:30
These Women-Owned Businesses Are Riding the Spurs Wave
She walked away from addiction — now she's helping other moms do the same ▶ 0:33
She walked away from addiction — now she's helping other moms do the same
A meme, a cease & desist, and court records you need to see ▶ 1:50
A meme, a cease & desist, and court records you need to see
Spurs Celebrations too much? ▶ 0:47
Spurs Celebrations too much?
One mom's raw truth about postpartum anxiety no one talks about ▶ 0:40
One mom's raw truth about postpartum anxiety no one talks about
SA's Playoff Run Is a Lifeline for These Local Vendors ▶ 1:46
SA's Playoff Run Is a Lifeline for These Local Vendors
San Antonio is offering FREE help with your property taxes — but you have to act fast ▶ 0:33
San Antonio is offering FREE help with your property taxes — but you have to act fast
No Arrest. No Answers. A Family Is Waiting. ▶ 1:25
No Arrest. No Answers. A Family Is Waiting.
Two Boys Murdered. Two Moms Still Waiting for Answers. ▶ 1:31
Two Boys Murdered. Two Moms Still Waiting for Answers.
Spurs fans are ALL IN — and they're confident tonight's a must-win ▶ 0:40
Spurs fans are ALL IN — and they're confident tonight's a must-win
Spurs fans show their spirit through nail art ▶ 2:33
Spurs fans show their spirit through nail art
Don't show up without doing this first – Spurs Watch Party guide ▶ 1:06
Don't show up without doing this first – Spurs Watch Party guide
How a free city program helped San Antonio entrepreneur land shelf space at retail stores ▶ 0:58
How a free city program helped San Antonio entrepreneur land shelf space at retail stores
‘We want justice’: Family seeking answers after SAPD SWAT officers shoot, kill man ▶ 0:06
‘We want justice’: Family seeking answers after SAPD SWAT officers shoot, kill man
‘Another mandate without funding’: New Texas law could cost school districts millions ▶ 0:35
‘Another mandate without funding’: New Texas law could cost school districts millions
Previous photo Next photo