The New York Yankees are hyper-focused on trying to retain Aaron Judge in free agency.
But that doesn’t mean that they don’t plan to indulge in any other areas.
This morning, the Bronx Bombers brought back a familiar face.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Yanks have agreed to terms with veteran reliever Tommy Kahnle on a two-year, $11.5 million deal.
The right-hander was limited to just 13 games in 2022 thanks to injuries, but posted some good numbers while with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In 12.2 innings of work, Kahnle posted a 2.84 ERA and a WHIP of 0.63.
Jeff Passan of ESPN confirmed Rosenthal’s report on Twitter.
Right-hander Tommy Kahnle and the New York Yankees are in agreement on a two-year, $11.5 million contract, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN. First on the scene with the deal was @Ken_Rosenthal.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 6, 2022
Kahnle Returns To New York
The 33-year-old was selected by the Yankees in the fifth round of the 2010 MLB Draft.
The veteran right-hander made his MLB debut with the Colorado Rockies in 2014.
Kahnle joined the Yankees in 2017 at the trade deadline and was a key piece in their bullpen for a number of years.
Injuries limited him to just one appearance in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season and kept him out for the entire 2021 season.
Kahnle returned late in the 2022 season with the 111-win Dodgers.
With Scott Effross out for the entire 2023 season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery and Aroldis Chapman likely as good as gone, New York found themselves in need of some bullpen help.
And so, they reunited with a familiar face and former draft pick, who also happens to be a New York State native.
The Yankees won 99 games during the regular season, capturing an AL East title.
NEXT: Yankees GM Comments On A Potential Future Without Judge