The New York Yankees are the favorites to win the World Series ahead of the 2020 campaign, but as we know, anything can happen throughout the regular season. In 2019, the Bombers suffered through injuries to essential players and still managed to earn 103 wins on the year.
However, they have brought in Eric Cressey to revitalize their strength and conditioning program to avoid similar soft-tissue ailments. The bullpen is one unit that was relied heavily on with the lack of starting pitchers last year. Tommy Kahnle, specifically, will have an expanded role in the upcoming season, especially after the departure of Dellin Betances and Nestor Cortes Jr.
MLB Insider Brian Hoch answered a bullpen question in his daily mailbag breaking down the bullpen after Betances signed on with the Mets:
Q: With Dellin Betances moving across town, do you see any of the young Yankees pitchers taking a step up to fill his role?
— Joe S., Mount Sinai, N.Y.
A: I wonder if that has already taken place. The loss of Betances to the Mets is arguably only a paper move when compared against the 2019 bullpen, since he was (unfortunately) a non-factor for all but one-third of an inning. Tommy Kahnle’s return to form helped to cover over Betances’ absence, while Zack Britton was largely reliable and Adam Ottavino gave the Yanks about five sharp months before he lost command of his slider.
What does Tommy Kahnle bring to the table for the New York Yankees?
Kahnle has impressive stuff, featuring his fastball 44.1% of the time and changeup 52%. He also dabbles with a slider at 3.9%. His pitch velocity is also substantial, reaching the upper-mid 90s frequently with his fastball. The Yankees like their strong-arm relievers and Kahnle undoubtedly fits the bill in that respect. This offseason, he signed a one-year, $2.65 million deal to stick with the Bombers in what could be an exciting season.
Hopefully, he can remain productive, and supplement lost support. The Yankees do have plenty of young talent they can rely on given injuries take their toll (knock on wood), but we can have solace knowing Kahnle is a reliable option.