Andrew Kittredge, the seasoned former relief pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, has recently made headlines by reportedly striking a one-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles, as shared by respected sports journalist Ken Rosenthal. Though the Orioles haven’t yet made an official announcement, the buzz surrounding this potential signing is palpable in the baseball community.
Kittredge’s new contract is set to guarantee him a salary of $9 million, complemented by a $1 million buyout on a club option for an equivalent amount. At 34, Kittredge is stepping into this next chapter of his career after demonstrating impressive performance during his first season with the Cardinals. He wrapped up the 2024 season with a commendable 2.80 ERA over 70 2/3 innings, appearing in 74 games— a feat that positioned him ninth among all MLB pitchers in terms of appearances.
After enduring Tommy John surgery in 2022, his comeback was nothing short of triumphant. In 2023, he pitched only 11 2/3 innings for the Rays, gearing up for what would be his first full-fledged season last year. The 2024 season saw Kittredge thrive as a critical middle reliever, achieving the remarkable statistic of keeping opponents scoreless in 57 of his 74 outings. Out of those games, he only allowed multiple runs on seven occasions, with a maximum of three runs in a single game—a sign of his resilience and skill on the mound.
Andrew Kittredge and his effective slider
One of the standout elements of Kittredge’s arsenal is his overpowering slider, which he turned to nearly 49.4% of the time in 2024. This high reliance on his slider was justified, as it sent batters into fits: opponents managed a meager .177 batting average against it and whiffed on a staggering 41.3% of their swings. His slider wasn’t just effective; it ranked him among the top echelon of pitchers with a chase rate of 38.9%, reflecting his ability to make hitters chase pitches outside the strike zone. In fact, Kittredge achieved the remarkable feat of leading the league with this chase rate among pitchers facing at least 250 batters last season, alongside boasting a whiff rate of 27.8%.
While concerns linger about Kittredge’s long-term durability—having only pitched over 60 innings in two seasons and exceeding 40 innings just once—when he is fit, he consistently establishes himself as one of the league’s premier relief pitchers.
Kittredge enhances the Baltimore Orioles’ bullpen
Although Kittredge’s statistics might not scream “superstar,” his blend of impressive swing-and-miss capabilities, combined with decent command, has distinguished him over a career that has seen him deliver a solid 3.44 ERA across 255 MLB appearances. The Orioles, completing their 40-man roster, will need to make adjustments to accommodate Kittredge’s arrival, a move indicating a commitment to strengthening their bullpen.
As he gears up to join the team, Kittredge is expected to play a crucial setup role in front of star closer Félix Bautista, who is currently rebounding from Tommy John surgery. Kittredge brings an essential veteran presence to a bullpen that already features hard-throwers like Seranthony Domínguez, Yennier Cano, and Keegan Akin— all of whom are poised for high-pressure situations. Last season, Kittredge led the National League and ranked second in the MLB with an impressive 37 holds, only trailing behind Houston’s Bryan Abreu.
By adding Kittredge to their roster, the Orioles are not just welcoming a player but are also embracing a wealth of experience and tenacity that will unavoidably elevate their competitiveness as they push toward their goals for the coming season.
