The New York Yankees have had an active offseason, highlighted by their acquisition of Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers. The 30-year-old closer has established himself as one of MLB’s premier relievers in recent years and is expected to be a key component of the Yankees bullpen moving forward. However, one standout reliever alone cannot guarantee bullpen success, and New York’s decision to let Tim Hill and Tommy Kahnle test free agency could leave a significant void in their pitching staff.
Why the Yankees Must Re-Sign Kahnle and Hill
The Yankees boasted the third-best bullpen ERA in the league last season at 3.62, thanks to the contributions of pitchers like Luke Weaver, Jake Cousins, Kahnle, and Hill. Both Kahnle and Hill played pivotal roles in this success, and their departure could undermine the bullpen’s stability heading into the 2025 season.
The Case for Tommy Kahnle
At 35, Kahnle delivered one of the best seasons of his career in 2024. Over 42 2/3 innings, he posted an impressive 2.11 ERA, good for a 196 ERA+. His postseason performance was equally strong, as he allowed just two earned runs in 8 2/3 innings. Beyond his statistical contributions, Kahnle is widely regarded as a clubhouse favorite with strong relationships throughout the Yankees roster. Bringing him back would not only ensure consistency in high-leverage situations but also boost team morale.
Letting Kahnle walk would be a mistake for a bullpen that currently risks regressing from its 2024 performance. A short-term contract for Kahnle would be a low-risk, high-reward move to keep one of their most reliable arms in pinstripes.
The Case for Tim Hill
Tim Hill, while not as dominant as Kahnle, was crucial as manager Aaron Boone’s left-handed specialist. The 34-year-old was particularly effective against left-handed batters, holding them to a .643 OPS (81 OPS+) in 132 plate appearances last season. Overall, he allowed just nine runs and 33 hits to left-handers, underscoring his value in matchup-based situations.
The Yankees currently lack any left-handed relievers in their bullpen, which is problematic given Boone’s reliance on matchup-based strategies. Re-signing Hill would address this gap at a relatively low cost, providing the Yankees with an important weapon for neutralizing left-handed hitters.
What Happens if the Yankees Don’t Re-Sign Them?
While the Yankees bullpen still features a strong core from last year, including the return of Jonathan Loáisiga from injury, the absence of Kahnle and Hill could create challenges. Devin Williams is set to anchor the bullpen, but the lack of left-handed relievers could limit Boone’s flexibility in critical situations.
If the Yankees opt not to bring back Hill, they will need to explore alternatives on the free-agent market. Options include left-handers like Tanner Scott, Danny Coulombe, and Caleb Ferguson, who spent part of last season with the Yankees before being traded to the Houston Astros. Signing one of these players could help fill the void left by Hill’s departure.
The Yankees’ Likely Strategy
If re-signing Kahnle and Hill doesn’t materialize, General Manager Brian Cashman may look to his tried-and-true method of acquiring undervalued assets and relying on pitching coach Matt Blake to develop them into effective contributors. This strategy worked successfully last season with Luke Weaver and Tim Hill, both of whom blossomed into reliable relievers after struggling elsewhere.
Additionally, Cashman could wait until later in the offseason or even the regular season to trade for or sign complementary bullpen pieces. While this approach has proven effective in the past, the Yankees would be wise to address their bullpen needs sooner rather than later to avoid unnecessary strain on their pitching staff early in the season.
Final Thoughts
With the addition of Devin Williams, the Yankees’ bullpen already has the potential to be one of the best in baseball. However, re-signing Tommy Kahnle and Tim Hill would provide much-needed depth and versatility, ensuring the team remains a top contender in the American League.
Kahnle’s reliability in high-leverage situations and Hill’s effectiveness as a left-handed specialist make them invaluable assets. Failing to bring them back could force the Yankees to rely on unproven alternatives or scramble for replacements midseason. For a team with championship aspirations, retaining these two relievers should be a top priority.
By re-signing Kahnle and Hill, the Yankees would solidify their bullpen as a dominant force in the MLB, capable of supporting their star-studded lineup and starting rotation throughout the 2025 campaign.
