Story by
Red Sox have veteran reliever at Worcester with pending contract clause; ‘Absolutely can help’
- Story by
- Red Sox have veteran reliever at Worcester with pending contract clause; ‘Absolutely can help’
TORONTO — A roster decision involving reliever Tommy Kahnle could be coming in the next couple of days.
The 36-year-old, who has pitched in 456 big league games and signed a minor league contract with the Red Sox in March , has a contract clause that kicks in May 1 (Friday). It is an upward mobility clause, which allows another major league club to sign him to its major league roster if the Red Sox don’t match.
Advertisement
He could therefore be on the Red Sox ’ 26-man roster as early as this weekend against the Astros at Fenway Park if another team wants him and Boston wants to keep him.
He also has an opt-out clause to become a free agent June 1.
“For a veteran of his caliber that’s been around, yes, he can help out,” Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said Wednesday before an 8-1 loss to the Blue Jays . “He’s been around the big leagues for a really long time. He knows how to pitch. He’s been here, he’s pitched in the playoffs. So absolutely can help out.”
Kahnle pitched six seasons for the Yankees across two stints: 2017-20 and 2023-24. He also pitched for the Rockies, White Sox , Dodgers and Tigers. He has posted a 3.61 ERA in 436 ⅔ big league innings. He recorded a 4.43 ERA in 66 games for Detroit in 2025.
Advertisement
In Worcester so far, he has a 3.24 ERA (8 ⅓ innings, three earned runs), 1.32 WHIP and a .267 opponents’ batting average. He has struck out eight batters and walked three.
He has posted three straight scoreless outings. He has averaged 92.7 mph with his four-seamer with a 93.2 mph perceived velocity.
His goal was to throw his fastball more this season.
“Last year I really liked my fastball. I just didn’t throw it, at all,” he said April 10 . “I don’t know if it was pitch clock, the catcher, me. There were lots of variables.”
His changeup has always been his go-to pitch. He held opponents to a .157 batting average with his changeup in 2024 and .217 in 2025.
Advertisement
“The last couple outings I saw him there ... he’s up to 94 and you know about his change up,” Tracy said. “So definitely can help out if that comes to be at some point.”
His deal would reportedly pay him $1.5 million if he reaches the majors and includes another $250,000 in potential incentives.
Boston ranks eighth in the majors in reliever ERA (3.67).
More Red Sox coverage
Read the original article on MassLive . Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
