Orioles Strengthen Bullpen: Andrew Kittredge Trade and Ninth-Inning Guy Search

The Baltimore Orioles have made a strategic move to bolster their bullpen by acquiring right-handed pitcher Andrew Kittredge from the Chicago Cubs. This trade positions Kittredge as the likely closer for the Orioles if the season were to start today.

However, Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias has indicated that he is actively seeking to add more external options, particularly an experienced ninth-inning pitcher. Elias mentioned to reporters, including Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports, that the team is making every effort to secure a reliable closer, particularly in light of Felix Bautista's injury.

Bautista underwent surgery in mid-August to repair a torn rotator cuff and labrum in his throwing shoulder, and he is projected to miss around 12 months. If he adheres to this recovery timeline, Bautista may only return late in the season.

The 30-year-old closer had a breakout season in 2023, recording 33 saves with a stellar 1.48 ERA, which earned him his first All-Star selection. The Orioles previously dealt Jorge Lopez to the Minnesota Twins, acquiring Yennier Cano and Cade Povich, both of whom have become valuable assets.

After Bautista's rise, Elias faced the challenge of replacing him following a significant arm injury he suffered in 2024. That offseason, he signed future Hall of Famer Craig Kimbrel to a one-year, $13 million contract.

Kimbrel initially performed well, accumulating 19 saves with a 2.37 ERA before a rough patch led to his removal from the closer role. By the end of the 2024 season, Seranthony Dominguez took over closing duties.

The Orioles are not entering the offseason with pressing needs in their bullpen, having had Bautista healthy for most of the season and with Dominguez, Cano, and Gregory Soto available. However, as the season progressed, the bullpen thinned significantly, necessitating this new focus on reinforcements.

With Kittredge signed to a one-year, $10 million deal, Elias has the resources to explore a loaded free agent market featuring options like Edwin Diaz, Devin Williams, and Kenley Jansen, who had 29 saves with a 2.59 ERA last season.

Jansen could be an appealing, cost-effective option for the Orioles, serving as a potential trade candidate if the season does not unfold as planned. The Orioles continue to pursue a stronger bullpen to enhance their chances in the competitive American League East.