The New York Yankees seemed fated to divorce themselves from Tommy Kahnle long before his decisive eighth inning of Game 5 of the 2024 World Series, but the moment certainly put an unfortunate exclamation point on his very successful third tenure with the organization.
Kahnle has done it all with the Yankees over the years, from a hotshot fireballing draft pick, to the unexpectedly potent co-return in the 2017 David Robertson trade, all the way to a delightful reunion in the 2022-23 offseason, when he spurned the Red Sox to rejoin the Yanks after rehabbing on the Dodgers' dime from Tommy John surgery.
These days, though, the Yankees' stalwart can get a little predictable. His signature changeup no longer acts as a change-of-pace from his wicked fastball. It's often the entire meal, not just the dessert.
Stringing together changeups works better for Kahnle than it does for most, and the Yankees never would've gotten to the World Series in the first place if it weren't for his extremely gutsy Game 4 save in the ALCS in Cleveland, another roller coaster that New York couldn't afford to blow.
Once reports of myriad interest and a rising price cropped up as the offseason continued, though, it seemed clearer than ever that the Yankees would find their right-handed swing and miss elsewhere. On Wednesday, it seems Kahnle is closing in on a deal with the Tigers, which would place him squarely in the middle of a bullpen full of potential. A mentorship role should work well for Kahnle, though we're not sure if his motor is teachable. There's nobody like him.
Tommy Kahnle close to deal with Tigers
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 29, 2025
Former Yankees fan favorite Tommy Kahnle close to deal with Detroit Tigers
Kahnle will now be paired once again with Gleyber Torres and his infectious energy. He'll also be potentially joining a team that the Yankees will more than likely have to face off with if they reach October. Perhaps he'll also be joining an old Yankees nemesis in Alex Bregman?
Regardless, Kahnle deserves good tidings on his way out of the Bronx, even though his fatal flaw was depressingly exposed in his final inning in pinstripes. He'll be welcomed back with aplomb at Old-Timers' Days in the future.