The Red Sox are facing a deadline decision on veteran reliever Tommy Kahnle, who’s made it clear he’ll exercise his June 1 opt-out clause if he’s not promoted to the majors by then.
Kahnle has been tearing it up at Triple-A Worcester, posting a 1.40 ERA with 21 strikeouts and five saves in 18 games. According to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, sources close to Kahnle say the right-hander “100 percent” plans to hit free agency if Boston doesn’t select his contract.
That’s a pretty clear ultimatum from a guy who’s earned the right to make demands.
The Case for Promotion
Kahnle’s AAA numbers speak for themselves. The 1.40 ERA and 1.293 WHIP show he’s dominating at the highest minor league level. For a Red Sox bullpen that’s been inconsistent all season, adding a veteran arm with proven MLB experience seems like a no-brainer.
The 35-year-old has bounced around the majors for years, but he’s shown he can be effective when healthy. His 2.11 ERA with the Yankees in 2023 proves he can still get big league hitters out. Last year’s 4.43 ERA in Detroit was rough, but that’s exactly why he’s in Worcester trying to earn his way back.
“According to a source with knowledge of Kahnle’s thinking, the righty ‘100 percent’ plans to hit free agency if he is not added to Boston’s roster,” Cotillo wrote.
Bullpen Struggles Create Opening
The Red Sox have clear candidates for demotion. Greg Weissert has struggled with command all season, seemingly unable to get through innings clean. Danny Coulombe hasn’t been much better, though his situation is more complicated since he’s out of minor league options.
Weissert seems like the obvious choice to send down. He’s got options remaining, and frankly, he hasn’t shown he belongs at this level yet. The Red Sox can’t afford to keep running him out there while a proven veteran like Kahnle sits in Worcester putting up dominant numbers.
Coulombe’s a tougher call because he’s the only lefty in this discussion, and the Sox would have to cut him outright if they wanted him off the roster. That’s not happening unless they’re completely done with him.
Time’s Running Out
The Red Sox have Worcester to thank for keeping talent pipeline flowing this season. Mickey Gasper, Payton Tolle, and Nick Sogard have all contributed after getting called up from Triple-A.
Now it’s Kahnle’s turn to make his case, and he’s not waiting around much longer. With the Baltimore series starting Tuesday, Boston needs to make their move soon if they want to keep him in the organization.
From where I’m sitting, this shouldn’t be a tough decision. Kahnle’s earned his shot based on performance, and the big league bullpen could use the help. The question is whether the Red Sox see it the same way before June 1st rolls around.
