2026 MLB Draft Profile: Tegan Kuhns

Leading up to the 2026 MLB Draft, Fish On First brings you a series of scouting reports on top prospects in this draft class who could realistically wind up in Miami.

Overview

Position: RHP

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 190 pounds

School: Tennessee

Tegan Kuhns is a 6’3”, 190-pound right-handed pitcher who plays for the University of Tennessee. Kuhns is one of the top draft-eligible sophomores in the 2026 MLB Draft class. He’s also one of the most interesting prospects in this draft class.

Coming out of high school, Kuhns was an elite prospect from Gettysburg Area High School in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. On Perfect Game, Kuhns was the 45th-ranked prospect and the 11th-ranked right-handed pitcher in the Class of 2024. He was also named a Perfect Game All-American. Kuhns went undrafted in 2023 and honored his commitment to the Tennessee Volunteers.

During his freshman season, Kuhns was mostly used as a starting pitcher but didn’t have the best season. He made fifteen appearances and ten starts. Kuhns posted a 2-4 record with a 5.40 ERA, 1.61 WHIP, and 40 strikeouts in 36 ⅔ innings pitched.

In his sophomore season, Kuhns had a major breakout season and improved his draft stock a ton. Kuhns made fifteen appearances and fourteen starts. He posted a 5-5 record with a 3.56 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, one complete game shutout, and 106 strikeouts in 81 innings pitched. He was named Second Team All-SEC.

On the mound, Kuhns has a four-pitch mix, but mostly relies on two pitches. Kuhns features a fastball, curveball, slider, and changeup. His fastball sits in the mid-90s and was clocked as high as 99 mph last season. He also throws an excellent 12-6 curveball that sits in the upper 70s.

For Kuhns to be a starting pitcher at the next level, he needs to develop another quality weapon, whether that means improving his slider or changeup or working on something new.

Kuhns has improved on his control from his freshman season. However, his command needs to be better. More repeatable mechanics would help with that.

Strengths

• Mid-to-upper 90s fastball
• 60-grade curveball with 12-6 shape
• Excellent pitcher’s size
• Projectable body frame
• Made strides improving his control

Weaknesses

• Needs to develop a third pitch
• Too much over the plate
• Needs to fill out his frame

Pro Comparison: Gage Wood

Projection: Top 25 pick

Bottom Line

Tegan Kuhns has the tools to be an excellent pitching prospect, but needs to physically mature and work on his mechanics. If he’s able to develop more pitches to complement his fastball and curveball, he could be one of the best pitchers to come out of this draft class.

On ESPN, Kuhns is the 18th-ranked prospect and the fifth-ranked right-handed pitching prospect in the 2026 MLB Draft. Kuhns is also the 22nd-ranked draft prospect on Baseball America and the 25th-ranked draft prospect on MLB Pipeline.

The Marlins will have the 14th overall pick and should be able to grab one of the top prospects in this draft class. Kuhns could be an option if the Fish believe they can mold him into a more complete pitcher.