Tommy Kahnle #41 of the New York Yankees
Tommy Kahnle Signs One-Year, $7.75 Million Deal with Detroit Tigers: A Smart Addition to a Rising Bullpen
The Detroit Tigers have made a key move to bolster their bullpen ahead of the 2025 season, securing free-agent reliever Tommy Kahnle on a one-year, $7.75 million deal, pending a physical. The news, reported by Robert Murray of Fansided, marks a significant addition for the Tigers, a team that is steadily on the rise in the American League Central.
Kahnle, 35, comes off an impressive season with the New York Yankees, where he was an integral part of their postseason push, helping propel them all the way to the 2024 World Series. Despite an unflattering 0-2 record, Kahnle posted a sterling 2.11 ERA over 42.2 innings, striking out 46 batters along the way. His versatility and ability to excel in high-leverage situations made him a reliable option for manager Aaron Boone during the Yankees’ playoff run.
This past season, Kahnle saw a shift in his approach. Though still throwing in the mid-90s, the Yankees turned him into a changeup specialist—an adjustment that paid off. At one point in the ALCS, Kahnle threw 44 consecutive changeups, showcasing his ability to adapt and dominate in a specialized role. The Tigers will likely lean on Kahnle’s experience and pitch versatility in their bullpen, where he could play a crucial part in high-leverage situations.
Kahnle’s 10-year major-league career spans across four teams, including the Yankees, Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Over 390 games, he has accumulated a 3.47 ERA and a 10-14 record, solidifying himself as one of the more reliable relievers in the league. His ability to eat up innings, paired with his experience in the postseason, makes him a valuable asset for Detroit.
For Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, the addition of Kahnle strengthens an already promising bullpen. The Tigers finished third in the American League Central in 2024 and made it to the American League Division Series, where they were eliminated by the Cleveland Guardians. Despite a makeshift bullpen last season, the Tigers’ pitching staff showed significant promise, and Kahnle’s signing adds another piece to an emerging contender.
How Kahnle will fit into Detroit’s bullpen in 2025 remains to be seen, especially with the Tigers still working to determine their roles in a revamped pitching staff. However, Kahnle’s proven track record in high-pressure moments and his effectiveness against both right-handed and left-handed batters should position him for key late-game assignments.
As the Tigers report to spring training in just over two weeks, Kahnle will look to build on his successful 2024 campaign and help Detroit take the next step in their quest for a postseason berth. With Opening Day set for March 27, Kahnle’s experience and savvy could prove to be exactly what the Tigers need to continue their ascent in the AL Central.
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