Do the Pirates have a lesser known pitching prospect ready to break out in 2016?
The talk amongst the Pittsburgh Pirates minor league system has always been about two pitching prospects in particular: Tyler Glasnow and Jameson Taillon. What if I told you that there were other pitchers, aside from these two hard throwing right-handers that could also make an impact at the major league level? Chad Kuhl, a 23-year old Altoona Curve pitcher, could be an example of a pitcher who could be ready to contribute in some capacity in the big leagues, but may not have a spot.
In 2013, the Pirates selected Kuhl, out of the University of Delaware, in the ninth round of the annual First Year Player Draft. Known primarily as a groundball pitcher, Kuhl has had success in his three years playing within the Pirates minor league system. Reaching the Class AA level last season, Kuhl went 11-5 with a 2.48 ERA in 26 starts with the Altoona Curve. He’s not much of a strikeout pitcher, punching out 101 batters in 152.2 innings, but he has the ability to throw strikes and get ground ball outs. Not a bad combination for a young prospect attempting to make a name for himself.
Though Kuhl only found himself at the Class AA level last season, some may think that he could make an impact at the Major League level sooner rather than later. In an article written on Jan. 16, my fellow Pirates Breakdown writer Tyler Thomas stated that Kuhl could be “another pitcher to watch this season with the potential for a September call-up.”
I would have to say that I agree with this statement, despite a lack of experience at the high levels of the minor league system, but there may not exactly be a spot for him. With top pitching prospects Glasnow and Taillon expected to be in the major leagues within the next year or so, Kuhl may still have to wait for his shot.
Though his debut in the major leagues may still be a long ways away, this might be a good thing for the young right-hander. The eventual promotions of the Pirates top two pitching prospects don’t necessarily rush the process of developing Kuhl and other pitching prospects within the minor league system as well. Like Kuhl, guys like Nick Kingham, who missed a majority of 2015 and will miss the start of 2016 due to Tommy John Surgery, and Steven Brault can spend some more time developing in the minor leagues.
Last season, Kingham posted a 1-2 record with a 4.31 ERA in only six starts with the Class AAA Indianapolis Indians, while Brault shined for the Class A Bradenton Marauders and the Altoona Curve, posting a combined 13-4 record with a 2.43 ERA at both levels.
Now, I am not saying that there is absolutely no chance that Kuhl could make an appearance in the major leagues in 2016. There is always a necessity for help within the bullpen once the calendar hits September. A possible late season call up could be a possibility for many pitchers in the system, however, Kuhl may benefit from other prospects getting a major league opportunity before he does. It will give him time to fine tune his skills and work on his game to the point where it allows him to compete at a high level when the time comes for his arrival in Pittsburgh.
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