The Orioles and right-handed reliever Andrew Kittredge agreed to a one-year, $10 million deal with a team option for the 2026 season, according to multiple reports early Friday morning.
Kittredge, 34, has a career 3.44 ERA in 255 games across eight seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays and St. Louis Cardinals. The 2021 American League All-Star has been one of the most effective setup men in baseball, when healthy, over the past four years. He’s coming off one of the best seasons of career, posting a 2.80 ERA with 67 strikeouts in 70 2/3 innings for St. Louis.
Baltimore had an opening in its bullpen this winter after nontendering right-hander Jacob Webb and declining its team option for left-hander Danny Coulombe. Star closer Félix Bautista is expected to be ready for opening day after missing all of last season recovering from Tommy John elbow surgery, but the Orioles plan to ease him back into his role.
Kittredge, along with fellow late-inning relievers Seranthony Domínguez and Yennier Cano, would be one of the Orioles’ top candidates for early-season save opportunities should Bautista not resume his ninth-inning duties right away.
The Athletic was the first to report Kittredge’s deal, which includes a $9 million salary for next season and a $1 million buyout on a $9 million team option for 2026.
This story will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Matt Weyrich at mweyrich@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/ByMattWeyrich.