New York Yankees Reveal Cryptic, Concerning Update on Top Prospect

Throughout Spring Training, we have seen some of the New York Yankees' top arms on full display.

Yes, Carlos Lagrange was blasted in an exhibition affair against the Chicago Cubs on Monday, but he was absolutely brilliant beforehand. Elmer Rodriguez and Ben Hess flashed tantalizing potential, as well.

But there was one top Yankees pitching prospect who was noticeably absent from Spring Training and seems to be falling further and further behind his peers in New York's system: Bryce Cunningham.

Selected in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft, there was some who actually felt that Cunningham was actually the top pitching prospect in the Yankees' organization for a brief moment, and his 2.82 ERA at Single-A Hudson Valley in 2025 seemed to vindicate that.

However, Cunningham was shelled in the Arizona Fall League, surrendering 19 runs — 15 earned — on 20 hits over five starts. He didn't receive an invite to Spring Training, and now, he won't even be ready to start his minor-league campaign.

MLB insider John Brophy has reported that Cunningham is "behind schedule" and won't be ready for Opening Day. When asked if an injury was the reason, Brophy said that it was not disclosed.

Now, it should be noted that Cunningham did miss some time with a shoulder issue last season, his first in the Yankees' minor-league system. So perhaps the reason for his setback has to do with his health.

Whatever the case, the 23-year-old is clearly trailing Lagrange, Rodriguez and Hess.

Cunningham is the seventh-ranked prospect in New York's organization, down one spot from 2025. His estimated time of arrival is 2027 (per MLB.com), but at this rate, it certainly doesn't look like he will be ready by then.

The right-hander has a decent fastball and a nasty changeup to go along with an okay slider. It should be noted that his fastball — which topped out around 97 mph during his time at Vanderbilt — lost some velocity last season, but that may have had to do with his shoulder problem.

The Yankees are absolutely loaded with pitching talent, so it stands to reason that Cunningham might not ever see the light of day in the Bronx. Perhaps he could be used as trade bait. Or maybe he will overcome his issues and eventually become a stalwart in New York's starting rotation.

All things considered, there is no doubt that the most recent news regarding Cunningham is alarming, to say the least.

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