photo: Andrew Kittredge (Nathan Ray Seebeck/USA TODAY Sports)
St. Louis Cardinals release
The St. Louis Cardinals announced today (Friday, January 5) that they have acquired right-handed relief pitcher and former All-Star Andrew Kittredge from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for outfielder Richie Palacios.
Kittredge, 33, has compiled a career mark of 18-7 with a 3.65 ERA in seven seasons, all with Tampa Bay. The 6-1, 230-pound Washington native was an American League All-Star selection in 2021 when he appeared in a career high 57 games and posted a 1.88 ERA in his 71.2 innings pitched.
“We are excited to add Andrew’s experience and proven abilities to our bullpen,” stated Cardinals’ President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak. “Prior to his elbow injury, Andrew was an All-Star reliever, and we think his addition will benefit us greatly now that he is back to full health.”
Kittredge (pronounced KIT-rij) missed parts of the 2022 and 2023 seasons while recovering from “Tommy John” surgery. He finished the 2023 campaign with a 2-0 mark and 3.09 ERA in 14 games down the stretch, helping the Rays earn a Wild Card berth. He made one scoreless relief appearance in the Rays opening round playoff series vs. Texas.
Kittredge allowed runs in just two of his 14 games (11.2 IP) pitched after returning to the Rays active roster on August 18, and fanned 10 batters.
During his All-Star season of 2021, Kittredge ranked 7th among American League relief pitchers with a 0.96 WHIP. His .720 (18-7) career winning pct. is 4th best among all pitchers with 180 or more appearances during the span of his career that began in 2017.
Kittredge was a 45th round draft selection by Seattle in the 2008 amateur draft, but did not sign and attended the University of Washington. He later signed with Seattle in 2011 as an undrafted free agent, and was dealt to Tampa Bay on November 18, 2016 in a five-player trade that included former Cardinals infielder Taylor Motter who was sent to the Mariners in that deal.
Palacios, 26, joined the Cardinals roster in mid-August, appearing in 32 games. He was acquired on June 16 from the Cleveland Guardians and was assigned to Memphis (AAA).
Brian Walton’s take
In late 2023 as injuries decimated St. Louis’ lineup, Palacios made a nice initial impression, hitting six home runs and posting an .823 OPS. However, with the roster at full strength, and even after the trade of Tyler O’Neill, Palacios was the team’s sixth outfielder. That the Cardinals were able to flip a role player acquired for cash into a serviceable reliever seems a positive return for them.
Even so, Kittredge is probably a short-termer. He is just one year away from free agency and is projected to make $2.3 million via arbitration in 2024, per MLB Trade Rumors.
The only real question with the former closer and All-Star is his health. Prior to the Tommy John surgery noted, he missed time with back issues and will be 34 years old on Opening Day. If healthy, Kittredge is expected to join Ryan Helsley and Giovanny Gallegos at the back end of the Cardinals bullpen.
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