Meet a Prospect: Elijah Dunham

The New York Yankees signed an undrafted outfielder out of the University of Indiana, and his name is Elijah Dunham. Let's meet him.

Dunham was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 40th round of the 2019 MLB First Year Player's Draft, but did not sign with the club. Dunham was able to break into the Top 250 rankings by ESPN's Kiley McDaniels before the 2020 MLB Draft that was reduced from 40 round to just five, but was not drafted. The Yankees scooped him up for the $20K signing bonus that all undrafted players must sign for.

Dunham is a left-handed batting and throwing outfielder from Evansville, Indiana. Dunham is listed at 6'0" and weighs in at 213 lbs. Dunham is also listed as a first base option, playing 18 games there during his amateur career. It appears, though, that Dunham's future is as a corner outfielder due to his size and balanced offensive profile.

In a shortened 2020 season, Dunham put up a .390/.493/.559/1.052 quad slash in 15 games (71 PA) with one home run and 11 RBI. Dunham struck out just eight times and drew 11 walks with seven doubles.

Here is a statement from Dunham, linked off his Twitter account:

“After much consideration of what is best for my baseball career I have decided to sign a deal with the New York Yankees.  It’s time for me to take my opportunity and bet on myself.  I’m extremely confident in my abilities and know the Yankees can continue to develop them at the highest level.  I first want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for blessing me with this chance.  Also a huge thanks to Coach Mercer, the unbelievable staff, and teammates at IU who have helped me come to this point.  I don’t know where I’d be without them.  It’s time to get to work.”

Dunham joins other undrafted players the Yankees have signed since the Draft:

Carson Coleman, a RHP from Kentucky
Ocean Gabonia, a RHP from Everett Community College
Trevor Holloway, a RHP from Central Florida
Jarod Lessar, a RHP from BYU