From Latham to LA - Dodgers Have Hope For Kahnle In 2021

Now that the Super Bowl is over, or maybe as soon as the Buffalo Bills lost, we turn our attention to baseball. Believe it or not, pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Spring Training next week. Well, most pitchers. For Latham native Tommy Kahnle the 2021 season is in question.

Kahnle underwent Tommy John surgery last August and is unlikely to pitch until late in the 2021 season, if that. He did however sign a contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the 2 sides agreed on a two-year deal. If Tommy can manage to take the mound he could earn up to $750,000 in performance bonuses this season.

According to Dodger Blue full recovery from a typical Tommy John surgery takes 12-15 months. Nonetheless he is hoping to overcome the odds and pitch for the Dodgers this year.

Kahnle’s contract is worth a reported $4.25 million and also includes incentives based on games pitched, per the Associated Press: If the 31-year-old can appear in 60 games he would get $250,000. If he can make 70 appearances he could get an additional $500,000.

Kahnle had established himself as a key member of the Yankees bullpen. In 2019, he pitched to a 3.67 ERA. When I was a kid I wanted to be Thurman Munson or Don Mattingly or Reggie Jackson. You get the idea. Happy to see an athlete from the Capital Region not only make it to the bigs but also offer talents that are desired by several clubs.

Dodger Blue reveals that Kahnle chose the Dodgers over the Red Sox. That will always make me happy.