The Orioles sign former All-Star Andrew Kittredge to a $10 million contract

Andrew Kittredge, a former St. Louis Cardinals shortstop and free agent, agreed one year contract with Baltimore Oriolesby Ken Rosenthal. The team has not yet confirmed the deal.

Kittredge’s contract includes a $9 million guaranteed salary and a $1 million buyout for a $9 million club option.

34 year old enjoyed a solid 2024 season with the Cardinalshis first in St. Louis, who posted a 2.80 ERA over 70 2/3 innings. His 74 plate appearances ranked ninth in the MLB for most by any pitcher.

In his first full season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022 — following a brief 11 2/3 inning return for the Rays in 2023 — Kittridge has proven to be a reliable middle infielder for the Cardinals. He held opponents scoreless in 57 of his 74 appearances and allowed multiple runs just seven times, with a season-high three runs in one outing.

Andrew Kittredge and his powerful skate

Kittredge relies heavily on his dominant slider, which he used 49.4% of the time in 2024, a usage rate exceeded by only five pitchers who threw at least 1,000 pitches that season.

The pitch’s effectiveness justified its frequent use, as opposing hitters managed to bat just .177 and missed 41.3% of their swings. The slider also generated an impressive 38.9% slugging rate, putting Kittredge in the 100th percentile among all pitchers.

Andrew Kittredge excels at inducing swings on pitches outside the strike zone. Among pitchers who faced at least 250 batters last season, he led the league with an impressive 38.9 percent slugging rate on pitches outside the zone. Additionally, he generated whiffs on 27.8 percent of swings against him.

The primary concern with Kittredge was his durability. The 34-year-old has surpassed 60 innings in just two seasons and has surpassed 40 innings just one other time in his career. However, when he’s been able to stay healthy throughout the season, Kittredge has consistently ranked among the league’s best players.

Kittredge adds depth to the Baltimore Orioles

Kittredge may not have flashy numbers, but his combination of above-average swing-and-miss ability and solid command has resulted in a career 3.44 ERA in 255 MLB appearances.

With a full 40-man roster, Baltimore will need to clear cap space to finalize Kittredge’s contract.

The Oriole’s newest reliever is expected to step into the setup role ahead of star closer Felix Bautista, who is returning from Tommy John surgery. The veteran reliever adds depth to Brandon Hyde’s bullpen, joining hard-throwing pitchers Cerantoni Dominguez, Yenier Cano and Keegan Akin as options for high-leverage situations. With a wealth of experience in the seventh and eighth innings, Kittredge led the National League and was second in the MLB with 37 catches last season, behind only Houston’s Brian Abreu.