5 Cardinals who could be waived before today's deadline

With the Cardinals fading from the playoff picture, the organization may decide to save some money by waiving certain players.

Milwaukee Brewers v St. Louis Cardinals
Milwaukee Brewers v St. Louis Cardinals | Dilip Vishwanat/GettyImages
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RHP Andrew Kittredge

The St. Louis Cardinals acquired right-handed pitcher Andrew Kittredge from the Tampa Bay Rays for utility player Richie Palacios during the offseason. Kittredge is in his second year since having Tommy John Surgery, and he's been strong late in games for the Redbirds. Kittredge is a free agent after this season like the others on this list.

This year, Andrew Kittredge has a 2-4 record with a 3.25 ERA, 1.193 WHIP, and a 4.31 FIP. He's thrown 55.1 innings in 59 appearances, and he's struck out 51 batters. Kittredge has the second-most holds in all of Major League Baseball with 31. He's had a very successful 2024 season, and he's shown that he has fully recovered from his surgery a few years ago.

Kittredge and the Cardinals agreed to a one-year contract worth $2,630,000 through arbitration this year. He's not pricey, and there's a high chance that the Cardinals look to sign him this offseason to a multi-year deal to remain in the bullpen for 2025 and beyond. However, cutting Kittredge will allow him to join a playoff team for the final month of the season. If the Cardinals waive him, they'll save about $400,000, a paltry total.

Waiving Andrew Kittredge may leave a bad taste in his mouth as he enters free agency this offseason. It's not likely the Cardinals do waive Kitt, for he's been strong in the bullpen this year. Should the Cardinals waive the veteran reliever, a minor league pitcher -- either a starter or current reliever -- would slot in for him.

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