Trending Now - Red Sox Sign Veteran Reliever Kahnle to Minor League Contract

WHO:

Tommy Kahnle, relief pitcher

Boston Red Sox, Major League Baseball team

Alex Cora, Red Sox manager

Marcelo Mayer, Red Sox player

Trevor Story, Red Sox shortstop

Roman Anthony, Red Sox player

WHAT:

Kahnle and the Boston Red Sox have agreed to a minor league contract.

Kahnle's contract includes a $1.5 million salary if added to the 40-man roster and the opportunity to earn $250,000 in performance bonuses.

Kahnle had a 4.43 ERA and nine saves over 66 games in 2025.

Kahnle's performance in 2025 included a 1.35 ERA in 32 appearances through June 22, a 14.85 ERA in 17 games through August 12, and a 2.20 ERA in his last 17 games.

Kahnle pitched two scoreless innings for Israel in the World Baseball Classic.

Kahnle has a career 3.61 ERA with 17 saves and an 11-19 record over 11 seasons in Major League Baseball.

Kahnle was a fifth-round pick in 2010 by the Yankees and made his Major League debut in 2014.

Mayer has a .250/.400/.375 slash line in Spring Training.

Mayer expressed a desire to experience Opening Day, stating, "Of course, as a player, you want to be there for Opening Day."

Mayer missed a game on March 15th due to soreness in his right knee but returned to play on March 17th.

WHERE:

Boston, Massachusetts (home of the Red Sox)

Fort Myers, Florida (Spring Training location)

WHEN:

Kahnle's contract was reported on March 17th, 2026.

The Red Sox's Opening Day is scheduled for March 26th, 2026.

Mayer's game absence occurred on March 15th, 2026, and he returned on March 17th, 2026.

WHY:

The Red Sox signed Kahnle to bolster their bullpen with a veteran reliever who has postseason experience.

Mayer is competing for a roster spot as the second baseman for the upcoming season.

HOW:

Kahnle's performance metrics include a changeup usage rate of 85.6%, the highest for any MLB pitcher, and a ground-ball rate of 47.6%.

Mayer is working on building chemistry with Trevor Story to improve their defensive partnership.

(UPDATED March 18, 2026 03:49 UTC)

In a move to strengthen their bullpen, the Boston Red Sox have signed relief pitcher Tommy Kahnle to a minor league contract, which includes a $1.5 million salary if he makes the 40-man roster and the chance to earn additional performance bonuses. Meanwhile, Red Sox player Marcelo Mayer, who recently returned from a knee issue, is eager to secure a roster spot and experience Opening Day, as he works on building chemistry with shortstop Trevor Story. Kahnle, who has a career ERA of 3.61 and has shown promise with his changeup, pitched two scoreless innings for Israel in the World Baseball Classic and is looking to make an impact as the season approaches.