Following his standout rookie season, Bahnsen continued to be a reliable starter for the Yankees. Over the next few years, he consistently delivered solid performances, although the team itself struggled to find success in the standings. In 1972, the Yankees traded Bahnsen to the Chicago White Sox, where he continued to demonstrate his skills as a dependable pitcher. During his time with the White Sox, he achieved a career-high 21 wins in the 1972 season, showcasing his durability and effectiveness over the course of a long season.
Bahnsen's tenure with the White Sox lasted until 1975, after which he was traded to the Oakland Athletics. His time with the Athletics was marked by a transition from a starting pitcher to a more flexible role, including stints as a reliever. This adaptability allowed him to extend his career and contribute to the team in various capacities. In 1976, Bahnsen was traded to the Montreal Expos, where he continued to pitch effectively, primarily out of the bullpen.
The latter part of Bahnsen's career saw him move between several teams, including the California Angels and the Philadelphia Phillies. Despite the frequent changes in teams, he maintained a steady presence on the mound, providing veteran leadership and experience. His final appearance in a Major League game came in 1982 with the Phillies.
Throughout his career, Bahnsen was known for his workhorse mentality, often pitching a high number of innings each season. He finished his career with a record of 146 wins and 149 losses, along with a 3.60 ERA. Over 16 seasons, he accumulated over 2,500 innings pitched and struck out more than 1,300 batters. His ability to adapt to different roles and teams was a testament to his skill and understanding of the game.
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