Reigning World Series champions the LA Dodgers added some depth to their bullpen on Wednesday by signing veteran reliever Tommy Kahnle to a two-year contract. Reportedly, the deal is worth $4.75 million.
The move looks like one for the future, considering there is a small chance that Kahnle makes the field in 2021 as the 31-year-old pitcher underwent a Tommy John surgery in August and is expected to miss anywhere between 12 and 14 months.
Kahnle played just one inning with New York Yankees in 2020, striking out three while allowing a hit and a walk against Washington Nationals. Several days later he felt discomfort in his arm during practice and was shut down for the season.
Yankees opted to send him on a minor league assignment in October, but Kahnle rejected it and instead used his right to become a free agent.
By acquiring Tommy Kahnle, the Dodgers got themselves a reliable arm in 2022 when they might lose Kenley Jansen and/or Joe Kelly. Kahnle could also be helpful in the 2021 postseason if his rehab goes according to plan.
Kahnle made his MLB debut with Colorado Rockies in 2014, spending two seasons with the franchise before embarking on two-year stints with Chicago White Sox and Yankees. He has 285 career games in which he posted a 9-9 record, four saves, 3.82 ERA, and 344 strikeouts.
