BRONX, N.Y. — The New York Yankees have non-tendered relief pitcher Tommy Kahnle. Rather than take an assignment to Triple-A, Kahnle became a free agent.
Today RHP Tommy Kahnle elected free agency in lieu of accepting an outright assignment.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 31, 2020
Kahnle, known for his outstanding changeup, pitched one game in 2020 for the Yankees before undergoing Tommy John surgery on Aug. 5. It’s unlikely that Kahnle will pitch in 2021, with Sept. being the earliest.
Kahnle was about to enter his third year of salary arbitration and likely would’ve received a raise from his prorated $2.65 million salary in 2020.
It’s still possible the two could come to terms on a deal in the future. For now though, it’s a move that makes sense for both parties.
