The Orioles traded Andrew Kittredge to the Cubs at the trade deadline last July. Baltimore received a 17-year-old shortstop prospect, and Chicago gained a veteran reliever with a club option for 2026. The Cubs could have kept Kittredge around for the upcoming season, but Baltimore wanted him back. The Orioles reacquired the 35-year-old by sending cash considerations to Chicago last month.

The front office created a need when they dealt nearly all of their late-inning relievers last year. The Birds signed Ryan Helsley to offset an injury to Félix Bautista, but they turned to a familiar face to fill another spot in the bullpen. Mike Elias liked Kittredge enough to sign him prior to the 2025 season, and he still liked Kittredge after seeing a 2.40 FIP and 0.831 WHIP down the stretch.

The Or

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