On Tuesday, the Yankees brought back a player who grew up in New York. ESPN’s Jeff Passan revealed that Tommy Kahnle has agreed to a two-year, $11.5-million deal. Jon Heyman of MLB Network also reported that the Boston Red Sox tried to sign Kahnle but lost out to New York.
Manager Aaron Boone had all the praise for the pitcher. However, he informed that the signing of Kanhle was not yet official.
“Tommy’s a guy that was a beloved guy in our room,” said Boone, “He’s got a big personality but was also an outstanding pitcher for us.”
This is the 33-year-old Kahnle’s third time in the Yankees’ organization. He was drafted by the team in 2010 and was a reliable and popular member of their bullpen from 2017 to 2020.
From 2017 through 2020, Kahnle pitched for the Yankees in various capacities. After returning from Tommy John surgery, the 33-year-old produced a 2.84 ERA in 12 2/3 innings for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season.
Kahnle made 13 appearances for the Dodgers this season, throwing to a 2.84 ERA after missing the 2021 season while recuperating from Tommy John surgery.
“He pitched really well for the Dodgers at the end of the season,” Boone told, “We certainly feel like he has returned to his form.”
Kahnle is from Latham, N.Y., and he played in the major leagues with the Rockies (2014–15) and the White Sox (2016–17). However, the pitcher was traded back to the Bombers in July 2017 in a multiplayer trade.
In 129 games with the Yankees, Kahnle had a 4.01 ERA and struck out 157 batters over 112 1/3 innings. In 2022, the Yankees had one of the best bullpens in baseball. Their relievers had an ERA of 2.97, which was the third-best mark in the Majors.
In his eight years in the major leagues with the Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers, the right-handed pitcher has a career FIP of 3.51 and a K/9 of 11.1.
Kahnle is expected to support Jonathan Loáisiga, Lucas Luetge, Ron Marinaccio, Wandy Peralta, and Lou Trivino in setting up Clay Holmes as the closer.
How do you rate the Yankees’ latest acquisition Kahnle? Leave your comment below.
