4 hours Ago By Alex Mayer
DETROIT – Free agency in Major League Baseball can sometimes be a slog for teams. In the 110 days since their season ended in the American League Divisional Series, the Detroit Tigers have made a trio of notable signings, with the third and most recent coming in the form of right-handed relief pitcher Tommy Kahnle . Recommended Videos Kahnle, 35, comes to Detroit after spending six of the last seven seasons with the New York Yankees.
While the Tigers were at home reflecting on a surprise playoff run of their own, the Yankees were playing in the World Series. However, Kahnle still remembers the noise made by his new team this past October. “I was able to see them from afar last year at the end of the year,” said Kahnle.
“They found something, something clicked, and it looked like a fun team. It looks like a good fit for me, and I am excited to get there.” The Tigers' first postseason appearance in 10 years is paying dividends in more ways than one.
None of their high-caliber players, such as Tarik Skubal , Matt Vierling , and Jake Rogers , were lost to arbitration this winter. Their hot streak in the final third of the year was a selling point for free agents. “It’s something about the team itself, the aura around them.
They hit their stride at the end of last season, and it was fun to watch from the outside,” Kahnle said Thursday. “I was really intrigued with where they are at as a ball club, and I think that was a big hit for me. Based off the conversations I was having with them, it seems to be the right way to go.
” Play the hits! Dating back to Game 2 of the ALCS, @Yankees reliever Tommy Kahnle has thrown 48 straight changeups! pic.twitter.com/x2HzJD0v4z Manager A.
J. Hinch made the phrase ‘pitching chaos’ the talk of the baseball world last fall. His ability to plug and play with his different bullpen arms made the Tigers a tough team to beat in the later innings of games.
Their newest relief arm also took notice of this, even amid his own pursuit of the postseason. “They got them to the playoffs; they were a big part of the team,” Kahan said. “It was impressive to see how they were able to respond to the bell every day.
” The 10-year-veteran has played more than the allotted 162 games in four of his ten seasons as an MLB pitcher. In 30 innings pitched, he has posted an ERA of 3.00 while striking out 29 batters.
At this point in Kahnle’s career, it might not be all about the numbers, but maybe the opportunity to be a mentor to the Tiger’s young pitching staff while also being a part of the chaos. At this point in Kahnle’s career, it might not be all about the numbers, but maybe the opportunity to be a mentor to the Tigers' young pitching staff while also being a part of the chaos. “I told A.
J. right out front; you call down, I’m going to pick up the baseball and answer the call, that’s how I’ve always been,” Kahnle said. Kahnle and his fellow pitchers and catchers report to Lakeland, Florida, for Spring Training on Wednesday, Feb.
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