The Cardinals' recent draft pick, Tegan Kuhns, has the potential to be a formidable pitcher in the Major League Baseball (MLB). With a 6-foot-3 frame and a fastball that can reach 98 mph, Kuhns possesses a physical advantage and a powerful pitch. His high spin rate on the fastball gives it good carry, and he complements this with a big curveball in the upper 70s, both of which are already considered plus pitches. If Kuhns can add more power to these pitches as he fills out his 189-pound frame, he could become even more dominant.
However, Kuhns' development as a pitcher has been a bit of a rollercoaster. He struggled to develop a reliable third pitch during his time with the Volunteers, with a mid-80s changeup and a low-80s slider that he couldn't consistently throw for strikes. A high-80s cutter, once part of his repertoire, has been abandoned. This lack of a consistent third pitch could be a significant factor in his future success.
Despite these challenges, Kuhns has shown glimpses of brilliance. In 2025, he posted a 5.40 ERA and a 9.5% walk rate across 36 2/3 innings, but then had a remarkable 20:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio in three Cape Cod League starts the following summer. As a sophomore, he improved his control, reducing his walk rate to 4.7%.
The turning point for Kuhns came when he was demoted to the bullpen after a string of rough starts this past spring. However, he bounced back strongly once he returned to the rotation, showcasing his ability to strike out batters. His 15-strikeout performance against Texas on May 8 was a testament to his talent. Kuhns ended the year with an impressive 106 strikeouts over 81 innings.
Kuhns' journey highlights the challenges young pitchers face in developing their skills. While he has the physical tools to succeed, his inconsistent third pitch and the need to maintain control are areas of concern. The Cardinals will need to carefully manage his development to ensure he reaches his full potential. As a fan, I'm excited to see how Kuhns progresses and whether he can become a cornerstone of the Cardinals' rotation.
