Max Kuhle brings power-lefty upside, but 2026 has been a bumpy ride
In the 2026 season, James Madison LHP Max Kuhle has shown swing-and-miss stuff and enough durability to handle meaningful innings, but his results have been uneven: a 7.00 ERA across 27.0 innings with 19 strikeouts and 13 walks. He entered 2026 on the preseason Stopper of the Year watch list after a stronger 2025, when he posted a 4.13 ERA, struck out 67 in 61.0 innings, and even logged a nine-inning complete game. The fit is clear for a team that wants a tough, proven lefty who can miss bats; the question is command consistency.
