Going into 2024, it looked like the Yankees were loaded in the bullpen. However, their best reliever has completely flown under the radar.
Analyzing The Unlikely Success Of This Yankees Reliever
This year is Tommy Kahnle’s 6th in pinstripes, and it has undoubtedly been his best. But it didn’t initially look like Kahnle would see much success this season, mostly because of how his 2023 ended.
Long Term IL Stint
After concluding last season on the IL with shoulder inflammation that delayed most of his Spring Training, the 34-year-old saw multiple setbacks due to the injury lingering throughout his rehab. On top of that, the Yankees’ bullpen was phenomenal to begin the year, so they certainly didn’t try to rush him back.
Kahnle finally returned to the mound until May 22 against the Seattle Mariners. But since then, the righty has proven to be one of Aaron Boone’s most trusted options out of the ‘pen.
Kahnle’s tossed 31.0 innings to an ERA of 1.74 (with an ERA+ of 241, 1st amongst all Yankee pitchers). He also has a K/BB ratio of 31/14 and a WHIP of 1.13. These other numbers aren’t dazzling, but he has notably done an excellent job of keeping the ball in the park (4 home runs allowed), something other Yankee relievers have struggled with.
The Pitch Behind His Success
Kahnle’s bread-and-butter pitch has been his wicked changeup for his entire career. This year has been no different: he’s thrown it 71% of the time, and it is almost never barreled up. Of the 9 extra-base hits he has given up, only 3 have come off the changeup.
Kahnle’s biggest obstacle in the past has been inconsistent command. He is usually at his worst when he is walking lots of hitters, but he seems to have got it under control in the past few years. His BB/9 is 4.1, which is his best mark since 2019, with at least 20 innings.
His secondary pitches aren’t that special; they mostly serve as set-up pitches for the primary changeup. This season, however, Kahnle seems to have committed to mostly using the changeup. Unorthodox, perhaps, but it has certainly been working for him.
But the real reason why Kahnle has seen more success than usual is because that pesky changeup has been getting the two things pitchers want the most: ground balls and swings-and-misses. His 37.9% whiff rate and 61.3% ground ball rate are outstanding, so his changeup has been as good as ever.
Can This Change His Role?
Kahnle has always been a set-up reliever, racking up just 7 saves throughout his career. There would be no reason to make him a closer at this point in his career, at least under normal circumstances.
However, the Yankees have not seen normal success from their current closer, Clay Holmes. In Sunday’s 3-2 loss to the Tigers in Williamsport, Holmes blew his 10th save of the season. The last time a Yankee closer had double-digit blown saves? Dave Righetti in 1987, with 13 BS.
Fans have become increasingly frustrated with Holmes, a 2024 All-Star, not just for his extreme inconsistency but because there has been no signal that a change could be coming. Boone has stuck behind his closer throughout this stretch of bad pitching, but it may be time for Boone to consider his options.
Why might Kahnle be an option? Firstly, he’s a seasoned MLB veteran who won’t feel the same pressure as a younger pitcher. Sure, he lacks experience, but at this point, the closer cannot be Holmes going into the postseason. Kahnle is having a career year, and he has the stuff necessary to be an elite option to close games.
If all else fails, Kahnle could just go back to his original spot in the bullpen. But regardless, the Yankees are lucky to have a veteran relief option who’s suddenly pitching like he’s in his prime.
Main Photo Credits: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
