5 under-the-radar free agent relievers the Pirates should pursue

Tommy Kahnle

Tommy Kahnle is coming off yet another quality season with the New York Yankees. The right-hander has served as a set-up man the past two seasons for the Bronx Bombers, and is a hurler the Pirates could very much use in their bullpen for the 2025 campaign.

Kahnle pitched 40.2 innings, working to a 2.11 ERA, 4.01 FIP, and 1.15 WHIP. Kahnle struck out 25.7% of his opponents. That’s still solid, but a departure from the 29.4% K% he had in 2022-2023. Kahnle had a 10.6% BB% last year, relying almost entirely on his wicked changeup. Kahnle has always been great at limiting quality contact, and 2024 featured more of the same. He held opponents to just an 86.2 MPH exit velocity with a barrel rate of just 6.3%. Despite that, he had a pedestrian 1.06 HR/9 rate.

That indicates Kahnle could definitely benefit from a more pitcher-friendly environment. Yankee Stadium is more favorable to hitters, especially for lefties, compared to PNC Park. Kahnle had some drastic home/away splits. When at home, Kahnle owned a 3.38 ERA, 4.50 FIP, and 1.29 WHIP, while opponents had a .311 wOBA against him. But as a guest, Kahnle had an 0.48 ERA, 3.38 FIP, 0.96 WHIP, and opponents managed a .233 wOBA against the veteran righty reliever. Kahnle was also better on the road in 2023 while with the New York Yankees. 

Kahnle is older, as 2025 will be his age-35 season, but his abilities are still as good as ever. Stuff+ put his pitch quality at a 111 rating. He should also benefit from a move outside of a stadium that heavily favors left-handed hitters to one that is much less kind to lefties.