Peabody's Dylan Cunningham Commits To Virginia As Austin Prep Star Pitcher

The Austin Prep junior said Virginia stood out for its coaching staff and two-way opportunity.

By Scott Souza, Patch Staff

Oct 14, 2026 11:45 AM EDT

Dylan Cunningham led the Cougars in innings pitched during the 2026 season, reached 95.1 mph at the Prep Baseball Future Games and participated in the USA Baseball National Team Development Program. (Austin Prep High School)

PEABODY, MA — Peabody high school standout pitcher Dylan Cunningham, a junior at Austin Prep, has committed to continue his baseball career at the University of Virginia.

Austin Prep said Cunningham was identified by New England Baseball Journal as New England's top uncommitted prospect earlier this fall.

Cunningham said he chose Virginia after visiting UVA and Auburn.

"I found where I wanted to be. I knew it was UVA," Cunningham said. "That coaching staff was great to me and was great to my family."

Cunningham transferred to Austin Prep after his freshman season at Peabody High School and reclassified into the Class of 2028.

Cunningham said he drew on connections in the school's baseball program, including former catcher Bradley McCafferty, who previously caught Cunningham and recently joined Virginia, and alumnus Evan Blanco, who pitched at UVA and recently signed with the MLB Athletics organization.

Cunningham brings both high school production and national experience to Virginia. The right-hander led the Cougars in innings pitched during the 2026 season, reached 95.1 mph at the Prep Baseball Future Games and participated in the USA Baseball National Team Development Program.

During Austin Prep's New England Diamond Duel championship run, Cunningham improved to 4-1 with a 0.55 earned run average and 43 strikeouts.

Austin Prep Head Baseball Coach Jonathan Pollard said Cunningham's competitiveness has been key to his development and will be a welcome addition to UVA.

"My scouting report would be ultra aggressive, ultra competitive, always wants the ball, always wants the at-bat," Pollard said. ""And that's exactly the kind of guy we're looking for at Austin Prep and any collegiate program would be fortunate to have."

Cunningham said his focus now is on what comes next once he arrives in Charlottesville.

"Putting in the work when I get there is going to be a huge part and just performing at the highest level," Cunningham said. "Everything has to be earned."