White Sox: Tommy Kahnle underrated fantasy relief ace over the second-half?

Tommy Kahnle is in the middle of a tremendous year for the White Sox. But, could he blossom into a fantasy relief ace over the second-half?

The White Sox have made it no secret what their intent is heading into the trade deadline this season. After already dealing Jose Quintana, and Todd Frazier appearing to be headed out the door next, David Robertson is surely another piece to move.

Would that expected move then ascend Tommy Kahnle to must have waiver wire add down the stretch?

While it is is entirely possible Kahnle himself is moved, it does not take away from his dominance this season. After two average seasons in Colorado to begin his career, the move to Chicago has springboarded him into becoming one of the best fantasy relievers in MLB this season.

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He currently holds a 2.65 ERA/57 K/7 HLD/0.97 WHIP over 34 innings of work in 2017. The White Sox only have 38 wins this season, so the chances at HLD for Kahnle have not been in abundance.

His K/9 sits at 15.1 this season, one of the best in the league, and has only surrendered 10 runs the whole season. He has hit some rough stretches as of late, but the peripherals speak to his stuff still being tremendous.

Kahnle’s success this season is anchored in his wipeout changeup. He still pounds the zone with his 98 mph fastball, but his changeup’s near doubled usage has generated a 29% Whiff rate. 

A plus fastball and his wicked changeup are a well-suited pairing, and his slider is always in his back pocket as well. In terms of his fantasy value, he holds solid value as a set-up man but could see his value increase even more so if being allowed to become the White Sox closer.

Next: Red Sox Rafeal Devers: Finally time for him arrive?

Tommy Kahnle is in the middle of a career best season and looks to be in prime position for his fantasy value to increase no matter if he stays or goes to a contender.

Keep a keen eye on him moving forward.