The Cubs bolster their bullpen with a veteran reliever.
In addition to the trade for Michael Soroka deal, the Cubs bolstered their bullpen tonight with veteran right hander Andrew Kittredge.
Source confirms: Cubs acquiring reliever Andrew Kittredge from Orioles. First: @JonHeyman
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2025
Kittredge, 35, is a nine-year veteran who spent the first seven years of his career with the Rays. He was traded to the Cardinals before last season and signed a free agent deal for $9 million this past off-season. That one-year deal contained a team option for next season at $9 million with a $1 million buyout if the team declines it. So the Cubs can keep him around next year if they want or cut him loose if they decide they don’t.
Last year with the Cardinals, Kittredge was a workhorse reliever, going 5-5 with a 2.80 ERA over 74 appearances and 70 2⁄3 innings. This year, Kittredge is 2-2 with a 3.56 ERA serving as the primary setup man for closer Felix Bautista. His ERA may be higher this year, but Kittredge’s FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) is lower.
Kittredge is a slider/sinker reliever who has been quite consistent over the course of his career. He strikes out almost a batter an inning and walks only around two and a half batters per nine inning.
We don’t know yet who the Cubs have given up for Kittredge and according to Bob Nightengale, it will be “announced in the morning.” We will update when that news is public.