The Baltimore Orioles finalized a one-year, $10 million contract with reliever Andrew Kittredge on Monday. The deal includes a $9 million salary for 2025 and a $9 million team option for 2026, which comes with a $1 million buyout.
Kittredge can earn an additional $250,000 in performance incentives based on games pitched and games finished, with $50,000 awarded at milestones of 35, 40, 45, 50, and 55 appearances in each category. He also stands to collect bonuses for individual achievements, including $100,000 for winning the Rivera/Hoffman Reliever of the Year Award or World Series MVP and $50,000 for being a finalist for the reliever award, making the All-Star team, earning a Gold Glove, or being named League Championship Series MVP. The agreement also provides Kittredge with a hotel suite on road trips.
The 34-year-old right-hander posted a 5-5 record with a 2.80 ERA and one save last season with the St. Louis Cardinals, striking out 67 batters and issuing 20 walks over 70 2/3 innings. He previously spent seven seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays and holds a career record of 23-12 with a 3.44 ERA in 240 relief outings and 15 starts.
Baltimore’s bullpen looks to rebound in 2025 with closer Félix Bautista expected to return from Tommy John surgery. Kittredge is seen as a key late-inning option, especially after the Orioles parted ways with Craig Kimbrel, who struggled after signing as Bautista’s replacement.
The Orioles have been active but measured this offseason, signing one-year deals with Charlie Morton, Gary Sánchez, Tomoyuki Sugano, and Kittredge, while also committing to a three-year contract with Tyler O’Neill. Meanwhile, Blake Hunt was designated for assignment to clear roster space for Kittredge.
