Tommy Kahnle, one of the most dependable bullpen arms of the New York Yankees in recent years, is now a free agent. Something that seemed so far-fetched at the beginning of the season is now a reality: the right-hander is no longer with the Bombers.
Kahnle elected free agency today in lieu of accepting an outright assignment, according to what the club reported via Twitter. The changeup artist will miss the entire 2021 season after he suffered an elbow injury that eventually required the dreaded Tommy John surgery.
Basically, Kahnle was outrighted off the Yankees’ 40-man roster but elected to become a free agent rather than accept an assignment to the minor leagues.