Vanderbilt right-handed pitcher Bryce Cunningham was selected with the 53rd pick in the 2024 MLB Draft by the New York Yankees. Cunningham is the first Commodore to be picked in the 2024 MLB draft.

Hailing from Headland, Ala., Cunningham was ranked as the ninth-best high school prospect in 2021 after a senior year in which he sported a 0.76 ERA across 46 innings while striking out 77 batters. In his first two seasons with the Commodores, Cunningham showed flashes but had issues with consistency. As a freshman, he appeared in 12 games, starting six of them, and finished with a 2-1 record and a 4.59 ERA. As a sophomore, Cunningham saw the mound more often but yet still struggled. He posted a 6.43 ERA across 42.0 innings, striking out 45 batters and walking 23. 

Cunningham’s breakout began in the Cape Cod League, where he was a key piece for the championship-winning Bourne Braves. Cunningham held a 2.38 ERA across 22.2 innings, striking out 25 batters en route to getting named to the league’s All-Star team. Cunningham continued his success when he returned to Vanderbilt, becoming a reliable starter for head coach Tim Corbin. Appearing and starting in 16 games, Cunningham went 7-4, striking out 96 batters and holding them to a .217 batting average across 84.2 innings of work. He also led the Commodores in wins. The 6’5” 230 lb right-hander will look to keep this momentum at the next level as a member of the Yankees.

Check out the Vanderbilt Hustler Sports Section’s Twitter for up-to-date MLB Draft news.