Mariners #28 Prospect - Travis Kuhn

The Mariners' farm system is full of high-leverage arms with miss-and-miss stuff. If there is anything the development and scouting staff are good at, it is finding relievers like Travis Kuhn and maximizing their potential. The diminutive reliever brings high 90s heat with a lot of late life up in the zone and a sharp-breaking slider to keep hitters off balance.  

At 25 years old, Kuhn is a little long in the tooth to be on a prospect list, but if you look at his career trajectory, it's safe to say he's a late bloomer. Kuhn has spent the past two years in Arkansas intending to curb the free passes. In 2022, he issued 35 walks in 59 innings. This year, he showed more command and control with 22 walks in 54 innings. It's still high for a high-leverage reliever. However, Kuhn might fit the Matt Brash mold because he needs to throw it near the plate to be effective. 

One of the most challenging things to do is count on bullpen arms to be reliable year in and year out. There is a reason why most baseball insiders claim relievers are volatile. Where does this fit with Kuhn? Well, there will undoubtedly be some attrition in the Mariners' bullpen next season. Injuries and poor performance usually lead to some surprises coming out of Spring Training. After a dynamite year with the Arkansas Travelers, electric stuff, and a few steps forward in dominating the zone, Kuhn could break camp with the Mariners in 2024.