ST. LOUIS, MO. — The St. Louis Cardinals have strengthened their pitching staff by trading for right-handed reliever Andrew Kittredge from the Tampa Bay Rays. In return, the Rays will receive outfielder Richie Palacios.
Kittredge, 33, brings a wealth of experience to the Cardinals, including a standout All-Star season in 2021 with an impressive 1.88 ERA across 57 games. The Washington native has been a dependable pitcher throughout his seven-season tenure with Tampa Bay, compiling an 18-7 record and a 3.65 ERA.
Cardinals’ President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak expressed confidence in the new addition: “We are excited to add Andrew’s experience and proven abilities to our bullpen. Andrew was an All-Star reliever, and we think his addition will benefit us greatly now that he is back to full health.”
Having overcome Tommy John surgery, Kittredge returned to form in the 2023 season, helping the Rays to a Wild Card berth with a 2-0 record and 3.09 ERA in 14 games. He boasts one of the best career winning percentages among pitchers with at least 180 appearances since 2017.
The Cardinals have acquired a pitcher known for his resilience and effectiveness, particularly during his All-Star season when he recorded a 0.96 WHIP, ranking seventh among American League relief pitchers.
Kittredge was initially drafted by Seattle in 2008 and later joined them as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He moved to Tampa Bay in a trade in 2016 that also involved Taylor Motter going to the Mariners.
Palacios, who joined the Cardinals mid-season last year, will now take his talents to Tampa Bay, hoping to make an impact with the Rays as Kittredge aims to fortify the Cardinals’ bullpen for the upcoming season.
