The Chicago Cubs have finalized a trade, sending right-handed reliever Andrew Kittredge back to the Baltimore Orioles for cash considerations. This move concludes Kittredge’s brief tenure with the Cubs, which saw him contribute significantly to the bullpen over the course of the season.
At 35 years old, Kittredge made 23 regular-season appearances for Chicago, demonstrating solid performance with a 3.38 ERA and securing five saves in a challenging period when the team needed to fill the void left by the injured reliever Daniel Palencia. His involvement extended into the postseason, where he made an additional five appearances.
Kittredge initially joined the Cubs from Baltimore at the trade deadline in exchange for a minor league player. As the offseason begins, the Cubs face the task of reshaping their bullpen, as several key players, including Drew Pomeranz, Brad Keller, and Caleb Thielbar, will become free agents. They will also need to address the futures of Taylor Rogers, Ryan Brasier, and Michael Soroka, all of whom have uncertain roles moving forward.
In a busy Tuesday for the Cubs, this trade marks the second significant pitching move for the organization. Reports indicate that the team and starter Shota Imanaga mutually agreed to decline his contract options, paving the way for him to enter free agency as well.
As the Cubs look to rebuild their roster, this latest trade reflects their strategy of making thoughtful moves in preparation for the upcoming season.