Orioles Sign Veteran Reliever Andrew Kittredge to One-Year Deal

BALTIMORE, Md. — The Baltimore Orioles officially announced the signing of veteran reliever Andrew Kittredge to a one-year, $10 million contract on Saturday, bolstering their bullpen ahead of the 2024 season. The deal includes a $9 million salary for the upcoming season and a $1 million buyout on a $9 million club option for 2026.

Kittredge, 34, joins the Orioles after a standout 2023 campaign with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he posted a 2.80 ERA over 70 2/3 innings. The right-hander led the National League with 37 holds, finishing second in MLB behind Houston’s Bryan Abreu. His addition provides Baltimore with a reliable setup arm ahead of star closer Félix Bautista, who is returning from Tommy John surgery.

“Andrew brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in high-leverage situations,” said Orioles general manager Mike Elias. “His ability to consistently perform in the late innings will be a valuable asset to our bullpen.”

Kittredge’s success stems from his plus slider, which he threw approximately 50% of the time last season. Opponents hit just .177 against the pitch, swinging through it more than 40% of the time. However, he struggled against left-handed hitters, who posted a .296/.337/.571 slash line against him in 2023. The Orioles plan to mitigate this weakness by leveraging their trio of left-handed relievers: Keegan Akin, Cionel Pérez, and Nick Vespi.

Before joining the Cardinals, Kittredge spent seven seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he emerged as a key bullpen piece. In 2021, he earned an All-Star selection after posting a career-best 1.88 ERA over 71 2/3 innings. A Tommy John surgery in 2022 limited his availability over the next two seasons, but he has since returned to form, maintaining a 2.48 ERA across 162 appearances since the start of the 2021 season.

Kittredge’s signing marks the Orioles’ fourth free-agent acquisition this offseason, following the additions of pitchers Craig Kimbrel ($13 million) and Danny Coulombe ($8.5 million), as well as outfielder Colton Cowser ($15 million). The moves signal a more aggressive approach under first-year owner David Rubenstein, with the team’s projected 2025 payroll reaching $156 million, its highest since 2017.

“We’re focused on building a competitive team while preserving our core of young talent,” Rubenstein said in a statement. “Andrew’s experience and leadership will be invaluable as we aim for a deep postseason run.”

With Kittredge’s addition, the Orioles’ bullpen now features a mix of veteran experience and emerging talent, positioning the team as a contender in the highly competitive American League East.