In a significant development for their pitching staff, the Detroit Tigers have reportedly reached an agreement with right-handed reliever Tommy Kahnle on a one-year contract worth $7.75 million, according to sources from ESPN. This move is aimed at strengthening a bullpen that played a crucial role in their surprising journey to the postseason last year. Kahnle, who turns 36 before the start of the upcoming season, is known for his unique pitching style and impressive statistics from his previous season with the New York Yankees.
Kahnle’s performance during the 2024 season was noteworthy, as he recorded an impressive 2.11 ERA over 42.2 innings of work. This places him among the elite relief pitchers in MLB, with a cumulative 2.38 ERA over the last two seasons, ranking 11th among pitchers with 80 or more innings pitched. His ability to maintain such a low earned run average demonstrates his efficacy, and he will be a critical addition to the Tigers’ pitching arsenal.
Notably, one of Kahnle’s defining characteristics is his unconventional approach to pitching. He is recognized for relying heavily on his changeup, having utilized the pitch an astonishing 73.1% of the time last season—far exceeding the rates of his peers. This distinctive usage pattern was highlighted during the postseason, where he notably delivered an impressive 61 consecutive changeups at one point. With a fastball averaging 94 mph, combined with his changeup and an occasional slider, Kahnle presents a challenging matchup for opposing batters, particularly when he is in good health.
For Tigers’ manager A.J. Hinch, Kahnle’s addition is strategic. The team faced challenges last October due to injuries that severely impacted their rotation. Consequently, the bullpen was called upon to perform at a high level, resulting in a major league-high 141.2 innings pitched in September, with a remarkable 2.41 ERA during that span. Kahnle’s unique pitching skill set will enhance the depth of the bullpen, providing Hinch with a reliable arm capable of navigating critical game situations.
The Tigers’ postseason trajectory last year was particularly impressive, finishing the season strong after a rocky start on August 10. Their remarkable 33-13 finish allowed them to surpass the American League West champion Houston before being eliminated by AL Central rivals, the Cleveland Guardians. Given these dynamics, Kahnle’s left-field aptitude could be essential as the Tigers aim to build on their success.
Kahnle’s signing signifies a busy offseason for relief pitchers, with several high-profile names securing lucrative deals, including right-handers such as Kirby Yates and Ryne Stanek. Despite Kahnle’s signing, many credible options remain available in the market, including experienced arms like Carlos Estevez, Kenley Jansen, and David Robertson. These developments underscore an ongoing trend in baseball where teams are actively seeking robust relief options to reinforce their bullpens.
Tommy Kahnle’s contract with the Detroit Tigers represents both a strategic enhancement to their pitching staff and a continuation of a trend towards strengthening bullpens league-wide. As the Tigers prepare for the upcoming season, Kahnle’s past performance and unique skill set will be pivotal factors in their pursuit of postseason success once again.