Overview
- Baltimore sent cash to Chicago to bring back the 35-year-old, reversing July’s deadline trade that moved him for prospect Wilfri De La Cruz.
- Kittredge has a $9 million club option for 2026, reported with a $1 million buyout, and the Orioles now face a near-term decision on it.
- He posted a 3.40 ERA over 54 games between the Orioles and Cubs in 2025 and made five postseason appearances for Chicago.
- Baltimore’s bullpen was thinned by summer trades that included Bryan Baker, Seranthony Domínguez and Gregory Soto, creating a need for experienced relief.
- With closer Félix Bautista recovering from right shoulder surgery, Kittredge is expected to handle high-leverage innings as the Orioles rebuild the late game.