Kahnle reunites with Yankees on 2-year deal
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SAN DIEGO -- The Yankees brought one of their homegrown players back into the fold by agreeing to a two-year, $11.5 million contract with right-hander Tommy Kahnle. The club officially announced the deal on Wednesday.
“Tommy's a guy that was a beloved guy in our room,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. “He's got a big personality but was also an outstanding pitcher for us.”
This marks a third stint in the Yankees' organization for the 33-year-old Kahnle, who was drafted by the club in 2010 and served as a reliable and popular contributor to the Bronx relief corps from '17-20.
After missing the 2021 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, Kahnle made 13 appearances for the Dodgers this past season, pitching to a 2.84 ERA.
“He pitched really well for the Dodgers at the end of the season,” Boone said. “We certainly feel like he has returned to his form.”
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A product of Latham, N.Y., Kahnle made it to the big leagues with the Rockies (2014-15) and White Sox ('16-17) before being reacquired in a July 2017 swap that also sent infielder Todd Frazier and right-hander David Robertson to New York.
In 129 appearances as a Yankee, Kahnle compiled a 4.01 ERA with 157 strikeouts over 112 1/3 innings.
The Yankees boasted one of baseball’s best bullpens in 2022, with the club’s relievers pitching to a 2.97 ERA, the third-best team mark in the Majors.
Kahnle projects to join Jonathan Loáisiga, Lucas Luetge, Ron Marinaccio, Wandy Peralta and Lou Trivino as part of the setup mix leading to closer Clay Holmes.