Reliever Andrew Kittridge Returns to Orioles Three Months After Trade

The Baltimore Orioles just made a surprising move. They’ve brought back reliever Andrew Kittredge, barely three months after trading him away.

This unexpected roster shift comes through a deal with the Chicago Cubs, finalized for cash considerations. Kittredge’s return should bolster the Orioles’ bullpen as they keep tinkering with their lineup for future contention.

Kittredge’s Journey Back to Baltimore

Kittredge first joined the Orioles last offseason, hoping to add some veteran steadiness to the relief corps. A knee injury, though, kept him off the mound until late May, so Baltimore had to wait to see what he could do.

Once he got healthy, he settled in and pitched well. He left his first Orioles stint with a 2–2 record, a 3.45 ERA, and 32 strikeouts over 31⅓ innings.

A Midseason Shift to Chicago

On July 31, the Orioles shipped Kittredge to the Cubs as both teams shuffled their rosters before the trade deadline. The Cubs wanted him to beef up their bullpen for a playoff run.

He gave them some solid innings, but the Cubs’ postseason hopes fizzled in the Divisional Round against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Impact on the Orioles’ Bullpen

Baltimore’s move to bring Kittredge back shows they’re putting more weight on experienced relief pitching. Bullpen reliability can make or break a season, and this addition could be a big deal down the stretch.

Kittredge isn’t just another arm—he’s someone the team already knows, and he’s got chemistry with the Orioles’ clubhouse.

Why Bullpen Depth Matters

Modern baseball puts a premium on bullpen depth, especially since starters rarely go deep into games anymore. Teams loaded with reliable relievers can handle high-stress games and unpredictable workloads better than most.

In that light, Kittredge’s return:

• Gives the Orioles a veteran for late-inning spots.
• Lets them shuffle him between setup and middle-relief roles.
• Adds postseason experience for those tense, high-leverage moments.

The Strategic Perspective

From the front office’s angle, picking up Kittredge for cash is a low-risk, high-reward move. They didn’t have to give up prospects or everyday players, so their long-term plans stay on track.

The Orioles seem to value familiarity and proven performance—and Kittredge already checked both boxes in his previous stint.

Looking Ahead to Next Season

Next year’s Baltimore squad already looks competitive. Their young core is growing up, and veterans are filling in the gaps.

By shoring up the bullpen, management is showing they want to balance things out, not just count on offense to win games.

Kittredge’s Role Moving Forward

The Orioles have a few strong bullpen arms, but Kittredge’s steady presence is another safety net. Here’s what he’ll probably do:

• Bridge the gap between starters and the closer.
• Take on tough innings against the top of the order.
• Help mentor younger pitchers as they find their footing in relief roles.

All of that could matter a lot in those tight divisional battles where every out feels huge.

Fan Reaction and Clubhouse Chemistry

Most Orioles fans seem happy to see Kittredge back. It’s a smart reunion with a pitcher who already knows the team’s vibe.

Clubhouse chemistry isn’t easy to measure, but it matters. Guys like Kittredge, who fit right in, help keep that good energy rolling.

Final Thoughts

Kittredge’s comeback to Baltimore isn’t just a routine transaction. It feels like a timely, strategic reinforcement for a team with big postseason dreams.

He brings experience, resilience after injury, and a skill set that fits in all sorts of bullpen situations. If he can match or even improve on his earlier Orioles numbers, this could go down as one of those sneaky-smart offseason moves people talk about later.

In the chessboard that is Major League Baseball roster management, the Orioles just made a move that’s easy to overlook but hard to ignore. Fans and analysts will be watching to see how Kittredge’s return shakes up the 2025 campaign.

For Baltimore, there’s hope that a familiar face can spark something new.

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