​We’re just two weeks out from the 2026 MLB First-Year Player Draft, and it’s time for my annual “listen to the prospects guy ramble about incoming prospects.” Last season I highlighted three Tennessee Vols, among others, for the Guardians’ first-round pick: Gavin Kilen (SF R1:13), Marcus Phillips (BOS CB-A:33), and Dean Curley. Curley slid quite a bit due to defensive questions and a passive approach, but Cleveland still took him at pick 64. Seems like a win, right? In the end, Cleveland pursued astronomical upside with a stark downside at pick 27, selecting Texas A&M outfielder Jace LaViolette, and that choice largely defined Cleveland’s approach to player profiles.
Today I’m bringing a handful of pitchers to the table. Next week I’ll switch to the bats. I’ll start with names I’ve heard tied to the Guardians at 19, then work my way through players further down the draft who appeal to me for Cleveland.
Kicking off with R1:19: I strongly believe that, unless an AJ Gracia-type bat falls to 19, Cleveland will pounce on a pitcher from a strong college group likely available in this range to bolster a thin, top-heavy pitching pipeline. We’ll begin with another Vol: Tegan Kuhns.
ROUND ONE: 19th Pick
TEGAN KUHNS | RHP | TENNESSEE | 21
Synopsis: Kuhns makes a lot of sense for the Guardians for four reasons: solid spin, strong fastball shape, good command, and quality extension. He features three offerings that should have teams eager to work with him in their pitching labs, and his long-limbed, athletic delivery signals a pitcher built for consistency. He operates from a traditional three-quarters slot, but his release height sits around 65.5 inches, and with that lower release height plus above-average extension, he yields strong metrics for his fastball. His four-seam sits at 93-96, touching 98 occasionally, and he locks the zone with ease. He posts an iVB in the 18-20 inch range, with roughly 11 inches of arm-side run at release. Of course, pro ball will temper this some, but his vertical approach angle at the top of the zone is as flat as it gets in this draft, and I’m confident the fastball will continue to play at a high level as he progresses in a minor league system given his command. When he can consistently navigate the top half of the zone with the fastball, he’s shown times of near-unhittable spins.
Kuhns also does a strong job pairing his arm action with a changeup, adding an 8-10 mph difference from the fastball and featuring good fading action. His changeup has become a weapon against left-handed hitters, delivering a whiff rate above 35% and an in-zone whiff rate around 31%. He has a good feel for it, and if he lands in Cleveland’s system, it could be a major plus for his development.