The St. Louis Cardinals' 2026 Draft Pick, RHP Tegan Kuhns, is a fascinating addition to their pitching pipeline. While the selection of a pitcher over prep SS Taj Marchand might have been a mild surprise, it's hard to argue with the strategy of stockpiling pitching talent. Kuhns, a 6'3 190-pound right-handed pitcher from the University of Tennessee, has the potential to become a formidable force on the mound.
What makes Kuhns particularly intriguing is his ability to spin the ball well. His fastball, which parks at 93-96 mph and peaks at 98, is a plus offering. Additionally, his upper-70s curveball has good carry, and he has the physicality to add more power as he continues to fill out his frame. However, Kuhns is still struggling to find a reliable third pitch, which could be a key area of development.
From my perspective, Kuhns has the ingredients to pitch in the front half of a rotation. His athletic delivery is improving as he gets stronger, which could help him develop a more dependable third option. However, he still needs to work on his control and command, particularly with his changeup and slider, which currently land in the low-80s. Despite this, Kuhns has shown improvement in pounding the zone, which is a positive sign.
One thing that immediately stands out is the potential for Kuhns to become a dominant force in the Cardinals' rotation. With his plus fastball and curveball, he has the makings of a front-of-the-rotation starter. However, his struggle to find a reliable third pitch could be a concern, particularly as he faces more experienced batters. If he can develop a more dependable third pitch, Kuhns could become a true ace.
In my opinion, the Cardinals made a smart move in drafting Kuhns. His physicality, pitching ability, and potential to become a dominant force in the rotation make him an exciting prospect. However, he will need to continue to develop his third pitch and improve his control and command to reach his full potential. The Cardinals' pipeline is now even stronger, and Kuhns could be a key piece in their future success.
