With a June 1 opt-out date looming, veteran reliever Tommy Kahnle is expected to look for a new team if he isn’t added to Boston’s roster, reports Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. This is the second time Boston has faced a roster decision with the right-hander, who triggered an upward mobility clause on May 1, but ultimately remained in the minors with the organization.
Kahnle has been excellent at Triple-A this year. The 36-year-old has allowed just three earned runs across 19 1/3 innings. He’s ripped off 14 consecutive scoreless outings. Kahnle is striking out more than a batter per inning with Worcester, though he does have a 13.3% walk rate.
No club jumped in to add Kahnle at the end of April, but maybe he’ll garner more interest after posting 11 zeroes in May. Boston could face a tougher choice this time. “I know there are dates coming up,” interim manager Chad Tracy said, relayed by Cotillo. “Our front office, they’re always aware of that. We’re well-aware of who he is, what he’s done and his performance down there.”
Kahnle has pitched for five teams in his 11-year MLB career. The righty spent last season in the Tigers’ bullpen. He posted a 4.43 ERA across 66 appearances. With left-hander Alex Lange getting hurt in the spring and right-hander Jason Foley falling short of a roster spot, Kahnle began the year as Detroit’s primary closer. He picked up nine saves, easily a career-high mark. Will Vest eventually emerged as manager A.J. Hinch’s preferred choice in the ninth inning.
An elite changeup has been Kahnle’s primary pitch in recent years. The offering posted a +4 Run Value this past season. Kahnle’s changeup had the fifth-highest Run Value in the league in 2024. The veteran is throwing the pitch at a 63.4% clip with the WooSox, which is actually a bit low for him. Kahnle has thrown the changeup at least 72% of the time in four straight years. He’s sitting 93 mph on the four-seamer, which is down slightly from 2025 (93.5 mph).
As Cotillo notes, lefty Tyler Samaniego and righty Greg Weissert would be potential candidates to head back to the minors if Kahnle is given a roster spot. Samaniego was crushed for four earned runs on six hits as an opener on Friday. Weissert has pitched better in May, but a rough start has his ERA sitting at 4.43. Right-hander Ryan Watson has been generally ineffective (5.35 ERA, 7.02 xERA), but since he’s a Rule 5 pick, Boston would risk losing him if he’s taken off the roster. The Red Sox relievers have pitched well as a unit. The bullpen ranks fifth in xFIP and seventh in SIERA.
Photo courtesy of Steven Bisig, Imagn Images
There is literally nothing to lose by bringing him up. Do it.
Opt out and sign with the A’s.
“Tommy Kahnle To Test Free Agency If Not Promoted By Red Sox” — Is that a threat or a promise ??
Baltimore would be happy to have him.