As a freshman at Central Arizona in 2014,Kuhnel pitched to a 2–0 record with a 1.62 ERA over 39 innings. After the season,he transferred to the University of Texas at Arlington. In 2015,his first season with UTA,he went 4–4 with a 3.55 ERA over 16 games (12 starts).[1] As a junior in 2016,Kuhnel compiled a 6–4 record with a 2.99 ERA across 12 starts.[2] After the year,
Professional career
Cincinnati Reds
Kuhnel was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 11th round of the 2016 Major League Baseball draft.[3] He signed with the Reds,receiving a $125,000 signing bonus.[4] He made his professional debut with the rookie-level Billings Mustangs,pitching to a 0–1 record and a 3.43 ERA over 18 relief appearances.[5] In 2017,he pitched with the Single-A Dayton Dragons and compiled a 2–4 record,a 4.36 ERA,and 54 strikeouts over 64 relief innings pitched. In 2018,he played for the High-A Daytona Tortugas,with whom he was named a Florida State League All-Star,[6] going 1–4 with a 3.04 ERA in 44 games pitched out of the bullpen.[7] Kuhnel began 2019 with the Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts,earning Southern League All-Star honors,and was promoted to the Triple-A Louisville Bats in June.[8] Over 41 relief appearances between the two teams,he went 5–3 with a 2.18 ERA and fifty strikeouts over 53+2⁄3 innings.[9]
On August 15, 2019, the Reds selected Kuhnel's contract and promoted him to the major leagues.[10] He made his major league debut on August 16 versus the St. Louis Cardinals.[11] He pitched a total of 9+2⁄3 innings for the Reds in 2019, going 1–0 with a 4.66 ERA and nine strikeouts.[12] In 2020, Kuhnel pitched to a 6.00 ERA over three games and three innings pitched. On October 26, 2020, he was outrighted off of the 40-man roster.[13] He spent all of 2021 in the minor leagues, but he missed a majority of the season while dealing with a shoulder injury, pitching only eight innings during the year.[14]
He was assigned to Triple-A Louisville to begin the 2022 season. On May 8, 2022, Kuhnel was selected to the 40-man and active rosters.[15] In 53 appearances for Cincinnati, Kuhnel worked to a 6.36 ERA with 56 strikeouts and 1 save in 58.0 innings pitched.
In 2023, Kuhnel spent the majority of his time in Louisville, but struggled to a 7.13 ERA across 21 games. In 2 games for Cincinnati, he allowed 3 runs in 6 hits in 3+1⁄3 innings. On June 13, 2023, Kuhnel was designated for assignment by the Reds following the promotion of Daniel Duarte.[16]
Houston Astros
On June 16, 2023, Kuhnel was traded to the Houston Astros for cash considerations.[17] He appeared in 7 games for the Astros, registering a 4.66 ERA with 3 strikeouts across 9+2⁄3 innings of work.
On January 4, 2024, Kuhnel was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Declan Cronin.[18] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-A Sugar Land Space Cowboys on January 10.[19] However, Kuhnel elected free agency on January 13.[20] Kuhnel re-signed with the Astros on a minor league contract on January 29.[21] On April 12, Kuhnel had his contract selected to the major league roster.[22] He made only one appearance before he was designated for assignment on April 30.[23]
Toronto Blue Jays
On May 4, 2024, Kuhnel was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays for cash.[24] He posted a 1.04 ERA in six games for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, but was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays on May 31.[25] Kuhnel cleared waivers and elected free agency on June 4.[26]
Milwaukee Brewers
On June 11, 2024, Kuhnel signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.[27] On June 25, the Brewers selected Kuhnel's contract, adding him to their major league roster. The next day, he was designated for assignment without having appeared for the Brewers.[28] Kuhnel cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds on June 28.[29] On July 14, Kuhnel was added back to the major league roster.[30] However, he was designated for assignment again on July 21, without having appeared for Milwaukee.[31]
Tampa Bay Rays
On July 23, 2024, Kuhnel was claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Rays.[32] In 5 games for the Rays, he posted a 1.13 ERA with 4 strikeouts across 8 innings pitched. On November 4, Kuhnel was removed from the 40-man roster. He rejected a minor league assignment and elected free agency.[33]
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