Tommy Kahnle, New York Yankees’ most trusted relief pitcher, endured a brutal year last season. He struggled to stay healthy for almost half of the season. Further, even after the comeback, Kahnle’s pitches were all over the place. His frustration was palpable in his multiple bullpen outbursts.
Regardless, ahead of the 2024 season, the New York Yankees extended Tommy Kahnle’s leash. The relief pitchers is set to grace the bullpen with his presence. But this time around, he means serious business. Having said that, the pitcher recently made a rare off-season appearance and endorsed Yanks’ newest rotation addition, Marcus Stroman.
Tommy Kahnle Excited To See Marcus Stroman Pitch In Yankee Stadium
New York Yankees relief pitcher Tommy Kahnle appeared on the ‘Foul Territory’ podcast and spoke highly of new teammate Marcus Stroman. He says Stroman has been a great pitcher throughout his career. And Kahnle firmly believes that New York fans will fall in love with the starting pitcher. Marcus Stroman signed with the Yanks this off-season in a two-year $37 million deal with a vesting option for a third year. In a way, Stroman’s signing could be considered a steal deal. This season, the free agency market has remained highly inflated for starting pitchers. While Yoshinobu Yamamoto bagged a $325 million contract, Blake Snell is waiting patiently to fetch a similar deal. Thus, in an inflated market, to secure a pitcher of Stroman’s caliber at a cheap price is definitely a steal deal.
Meanwhile, as Tommy Kahnle insisted, the New York Yankees would benefit largely from Marcus Stroman’s signing. His sinkers would elevate the starting rotation’s ground ball rate. However, fans are largely concerned about Marcus’ aggressive demeanor. Stroman made a name for himself for being an expressive and vocal player who takes no dime from anyone. His past beef with the Yank’s general manager, Brian Cashman, is still fresh in Yankee fan’s memories. However, the two parties insisted that water was under the bridge, and the confrontation was a case of misunderstanding. Thus, regardless, Marcus Stroman is slated to succeed in the Bronx, given health prevails. He will play a key role in the starting rotation, which consists of ace Gerrit Cole. As Stroman suggested earlier, he thrives under pressure. And there is no better place than New York to experience pressure.
Marcus Stroman Rues Being Misunderstood By Yankees Fans
In his introductory press conference as a Yankee, Marcus Stroman said he feels privileged to have been given the opportunity to don the pinstripes. Interestingly, Stroman added how he feels misunderstood. And would love to grab this opportunity to reverse fans’ perception. “I think people will have a different view of me after my tenure here,” the pitcher said.
Marcus Stroman further said that he received calls from the likes of Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, Anthony Rizzo, and many others after the deal came through. He felt at home instantly. Stroman is highly moved by the Bronx energy and cannot wait to join forces in the 2024 season.
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