The 2025 World Series is officially underway as Detroit Tigers fans are still trying to get over their club's early-October exit. The Tigers' campaign fell apart as the season progressed, culminating in an American League Division Series elimination at the hands of the Seattle Mariners, forcing the front office back to the drawing board this offseason.
What's done is done, though, and the Tigers must focus on how to improve rather than what could've been. The upcoming MLB free agency period will offer Detroit plenty of opportunities to get better, both in terms of finding reinforcements and some addition through subtraction, which would include letting some unnecessary free agents walk.
With that in mind, the Tigers can't let right-handed reliever Tommy Kahnle hang around the Motor City after how inconsistent he was this season.
Tommy Kahnle's Time with the Tigers Must End This Offseason
Looking to bolster the bullpen, the Tigers took a one-year flier on Kahnle back in January. It seemed like a smart gamble at the time, given that the veteran righty was coming off a terrific 2024 performance with the New York Yankees while establishing himself as one of baseball's more reliable relievers.
Kahnle lived up to the hype at first, pitching to a 1.77 ERA with eight saves and 11 holds in his first 34 appearances (35 2/3 innings), striking out 31 batters along the way. Unfortunately, things fell off a cliff after that, posting an abysmal 16.36 ERA and a 1-3 record in 15 outings (11 innings) between June 2 and Aug. 18. The rollercoaster ride continued down the stretch, as Kahnle posted a 2.20 ERA in 17 games (16 1/3 innings) to close out the campaign.
Had Kahnle maintained that performance into the postseason, Tigers fans would likely be open to another contract. That isn't what happened, though. The Latham, NY native regressed in the playoffs, which included giving up two earned runs in 1/3 innings against the Cleveland Guardians in the Wild Card Series before being credited with the loss to the Mariners in Game 5 of the ALDS after allowing a bases-loaded single in the 15th inning.
It's just hard to imagine the Tigers being able to trust Kahnle after what happened between his mid-summer performance and postseason collapse. An offseason split is needed for both sides, as Detroit can't justify bringing him back while the aging reliever could use a fresh start elsewhere. Fortunately, Kahnle's expiring contract will allow that to happen without a hassle.
MLB free agency and the trade market will also offer plenty of bullpen replacement options to the table. Kahnle has given the Tigers more than enough reasons to explore those options, making it clear he shouldn't be anywhere near the Opening Day roster come 2026.