Kuhel started his major league career with the Washington in 1930 and replaced Joe Judge on a regular basis a year later.

His most productive season came in 1936, when he hit .321 with 16 home runs and set career-highs in doubles (42), RBIs (118) and slugging percentage (.502), while stealing 15 bases and struck out just 30 times.

He finished sixth in the American League MVP Award voting tied with Vern Kennedy, behind Lou Gehrig, Luke Appling, Earl Averill, Charlie Gehringer and Bill Dickey, and over Joe DiMaggio, Tommy Bridges, Hal Trosky and Jimmie Foxx.

In the more forgiving Comiskey Park, Kuhel hit for more power, averaging 18 home runs from 1939 to 1941, and tying Bonura's franchise record with 27 homers in 1940.

After three pinch-hit appearances in 1947 he retired as a player to manage a White Sox farm team, the Class C Hot Springs Bathers.