Cardinals Should Reunite With $9 Million ‘Buy-Low’ Former All-Star…
As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the St. Louis Cardinals find themselves in a familiar position—hovering around playoff contention but with serious questions about their bullpen depth. One name being floated in recent speculation could be both a practical solution and a sentimental reunion: former All-Star reliever Andrew Kittredge.
At just $9 million and with elite upside, Kittredge represents a classic “buy-low” candidate—and a player the Cardinals should seriously consider bringing back into the fold.
Why Kittredge Makes Sense Now
Kittredge, a 2021 All-Star with the Tampa Bay Rays, joined St. Louis in 2024 and quietly had one of the best seasons of his career. He posted a 2.80 ERA in 61 appearances, showcasing his ability to generate weak contact and serve in both setup and high-leverage roles. His command, experience, and poise under pressure were invaluable for a Cardinals team that lacked consistency in late innings.
Yet despite his success, the Cardinals let him walk after one season. Now, in 2025, Kittredge has struggled with injuries and inconsistency in a crowded bullpen elsewhere, making him an ideal buy-low candidate for St. Louis.
St. Louis Needs Bullpen Stability
The Cardinals’ bullpen in 2025 has been a mixed bag. While Ryan Helsley has continued his dominant form as closer, and JoJo Romero has emerged as a viable left-handed option, the middle relief and setup situations have been anything but reliable. Injuries to key arms and a heavy early-season workload have exposed a lack of depth.
Given their current position—in a three-way tie for the final NL Wild Card spot—St. Louis cannot afford to squander leads late in games. A veteran like Kittredge could bring exactly the kind of stability and postseason experience needed to tip the balance.
The Cost is Right
Another appealing aspect of a Kittredge reunion is his affordable contract. At a projected $9 million, he’s a relatively low-cost addition in a market that often overvalues top bullpen arms near the trade deadline.
Compared to more expensive targets, Kittredge offers near-elite potential with far less financial or prospect risk. That combination could appeal to Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak, who tends to favor value-driven, short-term deals over blockbuster trades.
The Chemistry Factor
Team chemistry matters, especially in playoff chases. Kittredge was widely respected in the St. Louis clubhouse during his stint with the team. He brought veteran leadership, worked well with catcher Willson Contreras, and was comfortable in a variety of roles—traits that make for a smooth reintegration.
With much of the 2024 bullpen core still intact, Kittredge would be returning to familiar faces and a system that maximized his strengths.
Final Thoughts: A Smart, Sentimental, Strategic Move
Bringing Andrew Kittredge back to St. Louis checks all the boxes: affordability, need, familiarity, and upside. While he may not be the flashiest name on the trade block, his potential impact is hard to overstate.
In a season where the margin for error is razor-thin, the Cardinals would be wise to prioritize reliability and familiarity in their bullpen—and a reunion with Kittredge could be just what they need to solidify their October dreams.
