The Athletics are eyeing incremental upgrades this offseason in pursuit of a .500 record in 2025, and Andrew Kittredge could be a prime target for their bullpen. MLB Trade Rumors recently predicted that Kittredge, ranked 40th on their list of top 50 free agents, might sign with Oakland on a two-year, $14 million contract. Other potential suitors include the Minnesota Twins, Toronto Blue Jays, and Texas Rangers.
Kittredge, 34, posted a solid 2.80 ERA in 2024 with the Cardinals, despite a slightly higher FIP of 3.96. His career FIP sits at 3.87, a mark that suggests some risk but remains serviceable. Although his 23.1% strikeout rate was slightly below the 2024 league average of 23.4%, his walk rate of 7% stood out as well below the league average of 9%, demonstrating reliable control.
Kittredge’s profile aligns well with the Athletics’ needs, as he excels in getting hitters to chase (ranking in the 100th percentile with a 38.9% chase rate). His whiff rate (27.8%) and ground-ball rate (45.5%) are also above average, which could be particularly valuable for Oakland, who will play in Sacramento in 2025. A ground-ball pitcher like Kittredge could help mitigate the risk of home runs in a minor-league park with less pitcher-friendly dimensions.
Kittredge’s 2024 season included some adjustments to his pitch mix. He experimented with a cutter, although it was only used six times and may have simply been misclassified sliders. In recent years, he leaned heavily on his slider (49%) and sinker (38%), a combination that helped him achieve a 1.88 ERA with Tampa Bay in 2021.
Adding Kittredge would give Oakland valuable veteran presence alongside re-signed reliever T.J. McFarland. If he performs well, Kittredge could be a potential trade chip by the 2026 deadline, giving Oakland flexibility for both present and future plans.
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