The Cardinals' recent draft pick, Tegan Kuhns, has the potential to be a standout pitcher in the Major League Baseball (MLB). With a fastball that can reach 98 mph and a curveball in the upper 70s, Kuhns has the raw talent to be a front-of-the-rotation pitcher. However, his development will depend on his ability to add power to his pitches and develop a reliable third pitch, something he struggled with in college.
Kuhns' journey to the MLB has been an up-and-down one. After a rough start in 2025 with a 5.40 ERA and a high walk rate, he showed promise in the Cape Cod League, with a 20:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. However, his control issues persisted, and he struggled to throw his changeup and slider for strikes consistently. Despite this, Kuhns' potential is undeniable, and the Cardinals are hoping that he can develop into a reliable starter.
One thing that immediately stands out is the importance of developing a reliable third pitch. In my opinion, this is the key to Kuhns' success. While his fastball and curveball are already plus pitches, a third pitch that he can consistently throw for strikes will allow him to be more effective against MLB hitters. This is a common challenge for young pitchers, and it will be interesting to see how Kuhns develops this skill.
Another interesting aspect of Kuhns' profile is his size. At 6-foot-3 and 189 pounds, he has the physical attributes to be a powerful pitcher. However, he will need to fill out his frame to add power to his pitches. This is a common challenge for young pitchers, and it will be interesting to see how he develops this skill.
In my opinion, the Cardinals' decision to draft Kuhns is a smart one. With the right development, he has the potential to be a standout pitcher in the MLB. However, it will be important for him to focus on developing a reliable third pitch and adding power to his pitches. If he can do this, he will be well on his way to becoming a successful MLB pitcher.
One thing that many people don't realize is the importance of mental toughness in baseball. Kuhns will need to develop the mental fortitude to handle the pressure of pitching in the MLB. This is a common challenge for young pitchers, and it will be interesting to see how he handles the pressure of pitching in high-stakes games.
In conclusion, Tegan Kuhns has the potential to be a standout pitcher in the MLB. With the right development, he has the raw talent to be a front-of-the-rotation pitcher. However, he will need to focus on developing a reliable third pitch and adding power to his pitches. If he can do this, he will be well on his way to becoming a successful MLB pitcher.
