Exciting News; Orioles Bolster Bullpen, Agree to Terms with Another Veteran Top Rated Pitcher For His Standing Ovation…
The Baltimore Orioles have taken a significant step in fortifying their pitching staff by agreeing to terms with veteran right-handed pitcher Andrew Kittredge. The move signals the team’s commitment to enhancing its bullpen as they aim to build on their recent competitive momentum.
Kittredge, 34, has established himself as a reliable and versatile reliever over the years. Known for his impressive command and ability to work in high-pressure situations, he brings both experience and consistency to the Orioles’ roster. His addition provides the team with a valuable arm capable of bridging the gap between starters and late-inning relievers.
The pitcher previously enjoyed a standout stint with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he earned an All-Star selection in 2021. That season, Kittredge delivered a career-best performance, posting a 1.88 ERA over 57.1 innings with 77 strikeouts and an exceptional WHIP of 0.98. However, his 2022 campaign was cut short by an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for an extended period.
Now fully recovered, Kittredge looks to regain his form and provide the Orioles with the kind of dominant relief work that has defined his career. The right-hander features a diverse repertoire, including a devastating slider and a fastball that consistently induces weak contact.
For the Orioles, this acquisition aligns with their strategy of building a deep and versatile pitching staff. Following their surprising resurgence in the 2023 season, the team is poised to continue its upward trajectory and challenge for postseason contention in the competitive American League East. Adding a seasoned veteran like Kittredge could prove pivotal in navigating the challenges of a grueling 162-game scheduled.
The Baltimore Orioles have announced the signing of veteran right-handed pitcher Andrew Kittredge to a one-year contract for the 2025 season, with a club option for 2026.
Kittredge, 34, had an impressive 2024 season with the St. Louis Cardinals, finishing with a 5-5 record, a 2.80 ERA, and one save over 70.2 innings pitched in 74 relief appearances—a career-high. He allowed 60 hits, 26 runs (22 earned), walked 20 batters, and struck out 67. His 37 holds set a new single-season record for the Cardinals and led the National League, trailing only Houston’s Bryan Abreu for the MLB lead. Kittredge’s 74 appearances were the fifth-most in the NL. The 2024 season marked his full return after undergoing Tommy John surgery in June 2022 while with the Tampa Bay Rays
Over his eight-season MLB career, split between the Cardinals and Rays, Kittredge holds a 23-12 record with 16 saves, 52 holds, and a 3.44 ERA across 255 games (15 starts). In 285.1 innings, he has allowed 268 hits, 123 runs, walked 76 batters, and struck out 273. Since 2021, he has posted a 2.48 ERA in 174 innings, tied for the seventh-best ERA in the majors among pitchers with at least 150 appearances during that span.
Originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Seattle Mariners in 2011, Kittredge was traded to Tampa Bay in 2016. He rejoined the Rays in 2021 after a brief stint as a free agent and earned an All-Star selection that year with a stellar 1.47 ERA in the first half of the season. The Cardinals acquired him in January 2024 in exchange for Richie Palacios.
Kittredge’s addition strengthens Baltimore’s bullpen as the team builds on its recent success and gears up for the 2025 campaign. With his proven track record and ability to handle high-leverage situations, Kittredge is expected to play a critical role in the Orioles’ push for postseason contention.
