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Orioles Sign Andrew Kittredge to One-Year Deal

The Baltimore Orioles have signed relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge to a one-year, $10 million contract, enhancing their bullpen depth for the upcoming season.

The image shows Andrew Kittredge, dressed in his Orioles uniform, standing confidently on the pitcher's mound. He has a focused expression, with his right arm raised, ready to throw. The stadium is filled with excited fans in the background, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere of a Major League Baseball game. The lighting is bright and clear, emphasizing Kittredge's features and the details of his uniform. This visual captures the anticipation and energy surrounding Kittredge's signing with the Orioles, symbolizing the team's hopes for a successful season ahead.

Baltimore Orioles Sign Andrew Kittredge to One-Year Deal

The Baltimore Orioles have made a significant move in bolstering their bullpen by signing free agent relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge to a one-year, $10 million contract. This decision comes as the Orioles aim to strengthen their roster ahead of the 2025 MLB season, especially with Felix Bautista expected to reclaim the closer role after his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

Details of the Contract

According to reports by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Kittredge will earn a $9 million salary for the upcoming season, coupled with a guaranteed $1 million buyout on a $9 million club option for the 2026 season. Notably, this contract marks Kittredge's first foray into Baltimore, adding a layer of experience to their bullpen setup.

Kittredge's Recent Performance

In the 2024 season with the St. Louis Cardinals, Kittredge demonstrated his capability by recording a solid 2.80 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP over 70.2 innings pitched. He stood out with an impressive 37 holds, showcasing his reliability in high-leverage situations, although he faced challenges in save opportunities, converting just 1 of 8 attempts.

Kittredge’s experience includes a 45.5% ground-ball rate, coupled with a 7.0% walk rate, which speaks to his command on the mound. He also boasted a respectable 28.3% strikeout rate and achieved a 27.8% whiff rate, making him a valuable asset, especially in fantasy leagues that reward holds.

High-Leverage Role in Baltimore

With Bautista returning, Kittredge is expected to step into a prominent setup role, complementing the existing bullpen that consists of pitchers like Seranthony Dominguez, Yennier Cano, and Keegan Akin. This projected role positions him well to contribute significantly to the Orioles’ mission of contending in a competitive American League.

Career Overview

Andrew Kittredge debuted with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2017, gradually establishing himself as one of the more dependable relievers in the league. His career highlights include:

  • All-Star Selection in 2021 after a standout season with the Rays, where he posted a remarkable 1.88 ERA over 71.2 innings.
  • Transition to St. Louis, where he continued demonstrating reliability despite injury setbacks, including Tommy John surgery that limited his appearances.

Over his career, Kittredge has maintained an overall 2.48 ERA across 162 appearances since the start of the 2021 season, although there have been challenges with left-handed batters. He faced difficulty against lefties, who managed an average line of .296/.337/.571 against him last season. Nevertheless, his success against right-handed batters remains a major strength.

Conclusion

Kittredge's signing represents a strategically sound move for the Orioles as they prepare for the exciting challenges of the upcoming season. This investment reflects a trend of Baltimore's increased spending under the new ownership of David Rubenstein, who has committed to enhancing the team's competitiveness. Kittredge's ability to perform in crucial moments will certainly be put to the test in the 2025 MLB season as Baltimore seeks to return to playoff contention.

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