​The MLB draft is underway Saturday, featuring rounds four and beyond at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In a standout moment for Tennessee baseball, former Vols pitcher Tegan Kuhns was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round, going No. 32 overall. The 6-foot-3, 193-pound right-hander showcased a strong blend of velocity and command during his time in Knoxville, contributing significantly to the Vols’ pitching staff over the 2025-26 seasons under head coaches Josh Elander and Tony Vitello.
Kuhns appeared in 30 games for Tennessee, including 24 starts, and posted a 7-9 record with a 4.13 ERA across 117.2 innings pitched. His performance included one complete game and one shutout, along with 146 strikeouts. His results helped him earn recognition on the 2026 All-SEC Second Team, and he was named the SEC Pitcher of the Week on two occasions during the season. That year, Kuhns also reached personal bests, recording five wins, 81.0 innings pitched, and 106 strikeouts, cementing his status as a key part of the Vols’ rotation as a sophomore.
In the 2025 campaign, Kuhns contributed a 5-5 record with 106 strikeouts and a 3.56 ERA over 81 innings pitched, continuing to demonstrate growth and consistency at a high level of collegiate competition. He hails from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where he played at Gettysburg Area High School. During his high school career, he earned First Team All-Mid-Penn Keystone Division accolades on two occasions, highlighting his longstanding pedigree as a top pitching prospect.
Kuhns’ selection marks a milestone moment for Tennessee as the program continues to develop talent for professional careers. He joins a growing list of Vols alumni who have advanced to the majors after starring at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Kuhns navigates the next steps in his professional journey, bringing the experience from a competitive SEC program to the next level of baseball.
Tegan Kuhns’ journey with the Volunteers culminated in a draft moment that reflected his hard work and dedication to the mound. His successful 2025-26 seasons demonstrated his ability to handle a heavy workload, adapt to different roles within the rotation, and punch out hitters at an impressive clip. Tennessee supporters will remember his contributions as part of a pitching staff that competed at a high level in the SEC and earned recognition across the college baseball landscape.
For more updates on Tegan Kuhns and the Vols, stay connected with Vols Wire and follow coverage surrounding the 2025-26 Tennessee baseball season, including game previews and postgame analyses. This summary reflects the broader context of a draft day that highlighted Kuhns’ ascent from a standout high school pitcher in Gettysburg to a first-round pick in the MLB draft, marking a significant achievement for him and for Tennessee baseball.