The Detroit Tigers have signed backend righty reliever Tommy Kahnle to a 1 year, $7.75 million contract. The Tigers have been in the market for a high leverage bullpen arm who can get swing and misses, and have succeeded in obtaining just that. Kahle boasted a 2.11 ERA in 50 appearances last year. In addition, Kahnle made 9 appearances in the playoffs where he went 1-1 with a save with an ERA of 2.08.

Kahle’s utilizes a heavy volume of changeups to induce a high rate of ground balls and swings and misses. Kahle’s whiff rate was 36% puts him in the 96th percentile. Putting hit at the highest amongst all current Tiger’s bullpen participants.

Here is newest Tiger RP Tommy Kahnle!
Since 2016:
-3.11 ERA
-11.26 K's/9
(Sub 3.00 era each season since 2020)
Features a filthy change-up/sinker combo (shown below)

A proven late inning RP who can get swing+misses, something the bullpen has needed. Great signing for Detroit! pic.twitter.com/P8aVxF9ERr

— Joe M (@jFudgy_) January 29, 2025

Role
Kahle will be a high leverage reliever that can be equally successful in scenarios where a strikeout is necessary, as well as inducing ground balls. Kahnle is also versatile in that he is equally effective against left-handed and right-handed hitters. In fact, he is slight more effective against lefties. They managed only a .169 batting average against him. Kahnle has never been tasked with a full-time closer role, but he very well may take that assignment at times this year. He has only 8 career saves to date.

Concerns

At times, durability has been an issues for Kahnle. Since receiving Tommy John Surgery in 2020, Kahnle has missed significant time with arm injuries throughout his last few years of work so it is likely a stint on the IL with the Tigers will be in his future. In addition, as is often the case with relievers with dynamic swing and miss stuff, walks has been an issue for him. Throughout his career his walk rate has hovered around 10% and above, which has gotten him into trouble in the past.

Kahnle is a 10 year veteran with valuable playoff experience. He joins his former teammate, and close friend Gleyber Torres. Whom he has played with on two separate stints in New York with the Yankees. If Kahnle can cut down on his walks and remain healthy, he will be a major addition to an already strong bullpen.