Predicting the fates of 7 Cardinals players, 2 coaches, and 1 executive after 2024

Andrew Kittredge will return in 2025.

The St. Louis Cardinals acquired right-handed reliever Andrew Kittredge from the Tampa Bay Rays this past offseason for utility outfielder Richie Palacios. Kittredge, a former All-Star, was entering his second season after having Tommy John Surgery in June of 2022. Typically, pitchers see as close to a return to form in their second year after the surgery.

Kittredge has been excellent all year in relief for the Cardinals. The right-handed reliever has been used in high-leverage situations quite often. He has a 2.92 ERA, 1.144 WHIP, and a 3.99 FIP in 64.2 innings so far this year. His 145 ERA+ is the second-best of his career in a full season behind his 2021 All-Star campaign. Kitt also has the second-most holds in baseball with 34.

Right-handed hitters have just a .566 OPS against him. Kittredge has also been excellent in high-leverage situations. In 121 plate appearances against Kitt in these situations, batters have a slash line of .236/.300/.387 for an OPS of just .687. He's been an excellent addition to a bullpen that has been the strongest unit for the Cardinals all year.

Andrew Kittredge will be a free agent at the end of the year. The 34-year-old could test free agency on the heels of an excellent season, but there have already been reports that the Cardinals have an interest in extending him a contract this offseason. Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch wrote recently that "Kittredge is a free agent this winter, and at some point in the near future, the Cardinals expect to approach him to discuss a return."

The chances of reliever Andrew Kittredge returning in 2025 despite being a free agent are quite high. His veteran presence in the bullpen next year will solidify the group once more.