Andrew Kittredge DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Baltimore Orioles have signed relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge to a one-year deal worth $10 million. Kittredge spent the entire 2024 season pitching in St. Louis and operating as the setup man for closer Ryan Helsley. With Felix Bautista expected to reclaim the closer role in 2025, Kittredge will likely be deployed in a setup role once again. Last season, the veteran posted a 2.80 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP across 70 2/3 innings of work. He generated a solid 45.5% ground-ball rate and showed strong command with a 7.0% walk rate. He struck out batters at a modest 28.3% clip and generated whiffs at a 27.8% rate. Fantasy managers in leagues that score holds should view Kittredge as one of the top options, as he should be given ample opportunities to pitch with a lead on a competing Baltimore team.

According to Alex D'Agostino of Sports Illustrated, free-agent relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge could be a good fit for the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 34-year-old operated as the go-to setup man for Ryan Helsley in St. Louis last season. Across 70 2/3 innings of work, the veteran right-hander posted a 2.80 ERA and 1.13 WHIP and tallied 37 holds. He held a modest 23.3% strikeout rate and showed great command with a 7.0% walk rate. In addition, he generated a 45.5% ground-ball rate and a 27.8% whiff rate, which was also slightly above the average marks. With Arizona lacking a proven ninth-inning option, Kittredge could provide a veteran presence in the bullpen and may eventually find himself in a ninth-inning role. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should monitor where he signs in free agency, as he could be a solid target for saves if he becomes a true closer.

The St. Louis Cardinals acquired relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge from the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday in exchange for outfielder Richie Palacios, according to a source. Kittredge returned from Tommy John surgery in August of 2023 and was able to hold opponents to a .683 OPS in his 14 relief appearances for Tampa. The 33-year-old right-hander was an All-Star in 2021, when he had a 1.88 ERA (3.04 FIP) and 0.98 WHIP with a career-high eight saves and career-high 77 strikeouts in 71 2/3 innings over 57 outings (four starts). Kittredge won't be a favorite saves in St. Louis -- that falls to Ryan Helsley -- but he'll remain in a high-leverage role and is a solid acquisition for a Cardinals bullpen that really let them down this past season. Kittredge should be relevant in deep holds leagues if he can stay healthy.