Relief pitchers have been in hot commodity throughout January, with Spring Training just around the corner. The Tigers add another one to their deep bullpen, as ex-Yankee Tommy Kahnle will join Gleyber Torres in Detroit. Kahnle comes over after a strong 2024, thanks to an ace pitch in his arsenal.

A Look at Kahnle

Right-handed reliever Tommy Kahnle had success in 2024, part of his third run in the Yankees organization. Kahnle was a key piece of their middle-relief/setup group, striking out 46 over 42.2 IP during the regular season.

The new Tiger did well in October, despite walking seven during 8.2 IP. Kahnle struck out seven and posted a 2.08 ERA for the Yankees during the playoffs.

Kahnle’s most-relied upon pitch is his changeup, an offering that saw a lot of action in October. The right-hander used the pitch 56 consecutive times during the 2024 Postseason, a testament to how important that pitch is to Kahnle.

The 35-year-old used the pitch 73.1% of the time during the regular season, easily the most across the league last season. Only Trevor Richards, a hurler who himself possesses an imposing changeup, came close in terms of usage, at 53.6% last year.

Generally speaking, it’s hard to maintain that pace, especially considering that fastballs play such a critical role in terms of setting up a changeup. But, Kahnle gets away with it. His changeup sits in the mid-80s and moves a lot, sinking roughly 3.5” more than the league-average per Statcast.

He’ll also throw his changeup in the zone.

Thanks to that pitch, Kahnle got a lot of ground balls and whiffs down and out of the zone. The right-hander ranked well above the league-average in Chase% (31.2%), Whiff% (36%), GB% (59.8%), and Barrel% (6.3%).

Now, Kahnle does have other offerings. The right-hander’s arsenal includes a mid-90s fastball, sinker, and slider that’ll use almost exclusively against right-handed batters. However, his changeup has generally been a pitch Kahnle’s been comfortable using against same and opposite-sided hitters.

Per MLB.com, the Tigers will sign Tommy Kahnle to a one-year deal worth $7.75MM.

Analysis

Manager A.J. Hinch liberally used his bullpen in October. However, the same can be said for how it was used in the regular season. Tigers relievers threw 694 frames during the regular season, most in Major League Baseball.

Detroit’s bullpen was one of the best in baseball last season, thanks to their depth. The Tigers enter 2025 with roughly the same group, with Tyler Holton, Beau Brieske, Will Vest, Brant Hurter, Brenan Hanifee, and Jason Foley all back in Detroit.

Kahnle, obviously, gives the Tigers more dimension in their bullpen. The 35-year-old is a unique one, thanks to his changeup and how Kahnle uses it. And as noted multiple times on this site, having relievers who can give teams different looks is critical.

Especially, as the Tigers look for sustained success heading into 2025.

Kahnle’s signing continues the theme of relievers coming off the board. The Dodgers inked Kirby Yates to a one-year deal, while the Mets are reportedly bringing back Ryne Stanek.