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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 05: Tommy Kahnle #41 of the New York Yankees reacts against the Boston Red Sox during the 10th inning at Yankee Stadium on July 05, 2024 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Luke Hales\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Getty Images<\/p>\n
The Boston Red Sox could soon face a difficult bullpen decision involving a veteran reliever who spent six seasons with the New York Yankees.<\/p>\n
Tommy Kahnle, who signed a minor-league deal with Boston during spring training, has dominated at Triple-A Worcester while waiting for a return to the majors. But with a June 1 opt-out clause approaching, the 11-year veteran said he was prepared to force the organization\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n
And the timing could be significant for a Red Sox club that recently lost<\/a> key reliever Garrett Whitlock to the injured list and has received inconsistent performances from parts of its bullpen. <\/p>\n ForbesPhillies\u2019 Home Stadium Becomes Key In $10 Million Star\u2019s Lawsuit With ParentsBy Peter Chawaga<\/a>New York Yankees\u2019 Former Reliever Tommy Kahnle Sends Boston Red Sox Clear Deadline<\/p>\n Kahnle has been one of the most effective relievers in the International League this season and the 36-year-old’s performance has generated speculation that he could soon join Boston’s major league bullpen. However, the veteran is apparently unwilling to wait much longer.<\/p>\n MassLive\u2019s Chris Cotillo recently reported<\/a> that Kahnle is expected to pursue other opportunities if he is not promoted before his opt-out date.<\/p>\n \u201cAccording to a source with knowledge of Kahnle\u2019s thinking, the righty \u2018100 percent\u2019 plans to hit free agency if he is not added to Boston\u2019s roster,\u201d Cotillo wrote. \u201cThe Red Sox can prevent such a move by selecting Kahnle\u2019s contract and adding him to their bullpen ahead of Tuesday\u2019s series opener against Baltimore (or earlier).\u201d<\/p>\n Kahnle spent parts of six seasons with the Yankees across two stints and was a key contributor to several postseason teams in New York and pitched during the team\u2019s 2024 World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He also saved nine games for the Detroit Tigers in 2025 after signing a one-year, $7.75 million contract<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is the second time Boston has faced a roster decision with the right-hander, who triggered an upward mobility clause on May 1, but ultimately remained in the minors with the organization,\u201d MLB Trade Rumors\u2019 Charlie Wright noted<\/a> after Cotillo\u2019s update on Kahnle\u2019s ultimatum.<\/p>\n