By: Nathaniel Ascher
When you think of the Yankees’ bullpen, you think of Aroldis Chapman, Zack Britton, Adam Ottavino, etc. But Tommy Kahnle has been as good or even better than all of them in 2019. After entering the league as a 24-year old in 2014 for the Rockies, Kahnle was just your average pitcher. In two seasons with them, he averaged an above 4 ERA in 104 IP. He then was traded to the White Sox, and rejuvenated his career. In two seasons with them, he had an average ERA of 2.85, an average WHIP of 1.24, and an average ERA+ of 164. As a White Sock, Kahnle improved his craft and would get ready to be under the bright lights in New York.
Tommy Kahnle was traded to the Yankees on July 18th, 2017, as part of a 7 player deal. Todd Frazier and David Robertson were also sent to the Yankees, although they both aren’t on the team anymore. Kahnle was decent for the Yankees in 2017, but in 2018, the tides changed. In 23.1 IP, Kahnle had a 6.56 ERA, with a 1.63 WHIP. To say he was mediocre would be a stretch. At the end of the 2018 season, Kahnle dealt with a few injuries, and many questioned how he would bounce back in 2019. Would he be able to return to his form when he was on the White Sox? Would his season be plagued by injuries?
So far in 2019, Tommy Kahnle has been dominant. In 17.0 IP, he has a 1.06 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, and an astonishing 428 ERA+. His strikeout percentage is up 7.8% percent from last year, his K/BB ratio is twice what it was last year, and he’s holding batters to a mere .131 AVG. Furthermore, Kahnle has a .194 BaBIP and an impressive 12.71 K/9 ratio. Kahnle isn’t just having a great year, he’s making his case for the Yankees’ best reliever in 2019.
Overall, Tommy Kahnle has surprised us all. Even though people knew he was capable of being a solid reliever for the Yanks, he’s been that and much more so far in 2019. He’s been able to hold his own against the likes of Adam Ottavino, Zack Britton, and the Cuban missile, Aroldis Chapman. If Dellin Betances comes back strong and Kahnle continues his dominance, the Yankees, mark my words, will have the best bullpen ever in 2019.
Kahn-he continue his dominance for the rest of the 2019 season?
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