The 2026 MLB Draft has added a new name to the St. Louis Cardinals’ storied pipeline of talent. Tegan Kuhns, a 21‑year‑old right‑handed pitcher out of Tennessee, was chosen with the 32nd overall pick, marking the first first‑round selection under head coach Josh Elander.
A Rising Star in the Making
Kuhns arrives after a breakout sophomore season that saw his ERA tumble from 5.40 to 3.56 and his WHIP sit at a crisp 1.18 across 14 starts. His fastball and curveball each earned a 60 grade on the 80‑point MLB Pipeline scale, underscoring a repertoire that scouts have long admired.
Perhaps the most electrifying moment of his college career came on May 8, when he fanned 15 batters in just seven innings against Texas, allowing only four hits and no runs. That performance not only highlighted his strike‑out ability but also hinted at the front‑rotation potential that has analysts buzzing.
Despite the flashes of brilliance, consistency has been a work in progress. Kuhns experienced four starts in which he surrendered four or more runs, including a late‑season stretch where he gave up 13 runs over four outings. Yet the overall trajectory remains upward, especially given the 44 extra innings he logged compared with the previous year.
The Cardinals will slot him alongside fellow prospect Liam Doyle, a pairing that could reshape the franchise’s farm system in the coming years. With the Vols having produced 11 first‑round picks since 2020, Kuhns’ selection adds another chapter to a program that continues to churn out top talent.
For now, the focus is on development. The organization’s player development staff will work to refine his command and maintain the health of a fastball that has already drawn comparisons to established aces. If the early indicators hold, Kuhns could become the next cornerstone of a Cardinals rotation that seeks to blend tradition with fresh arms.