Tyler Kuhn

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Chicago White Sox #27 prospect in 2012
  Kuhn has hit .314 in four pro seasons but hasn't figured more prominently in the White Sox's plans because he hasn't found a defensive home. He missed winning the Southern League batting title last year by just seven points. His confidence and plate coverage make him feel that he can hit any pitch. He works counts in his favor and has a knack for fouling off pitchers' pitches. Kuhn forces pitchers to challenge him and consistently squares up the ball, hitting line drives all over the field. He has little home run power but uses his solid speed to pile up his share of extra-base hits. Chicago could have used a bat like Kuhn's to spice up their stagnant lineup in 2011, but he has yet to prove he can handle any position well. A shortstop in college, he has played mostly second base and left field as a pro. He also has seen action at third base. He has average arm strength but limited range, and he profiles best offensively and defensively at second. Kuhn figures to open 2012 in Triple-A and await a chance to prove he can be more than an offensive-minded utilityman.
• 
  Ranked Chicago White Sox #34 prospect in 2009
  Not so long ago, the White Sox system was devoid of middle-infield prospects. But recent drafts have changed that, creating competition within the organization. Chicago selected Gordon Beckham eighth overall last June, and several other college picks have shown the potential to get to the big leagues as utilitymen, if not regulars. That group includes Sergio Miranda, Greg Paiml and Dale Mollenhauer from the 2007 draft, but Kuhn's ability to hit separates him from the pack. A 33rd-round pick by the Indians in 2007, Kuhn returned for his senior season at West Virginia and ranked eighth in NCAA Division I with a .424 batting average. Signed for $1,000 as a 15th-rounder, Kuhn broke into pro ball by earning all-star honors in the Pioneer League, where he hit .375/.424/.570 to help Great Falls win the championship. He makes easy line-drive contact and is one of the best hitters in the system. He won't hit many homers but he has gap power, average speed and good baserunning instincts. Kuhn's range and arm strength are average for a shortstop. He sometimes forces the action, trying to make difficult plays that instead result in errors, and may profile better as a second baseman. Kuhn could reach high Class A in 2009, possibly to open the season.