Cubs Face Tough Decision on Kittredge’s Future
The Chicago Cubs are at a crossroads as they navigate the uncertain waters of their bullpen, particularly with Andrew Kittredge, a mid-season acquisition, looming large on their roster decisions.
A Rollercoaster Season in the Bullpen
Throughout the 2023 season, the Cubs have experienced significant fluctuations in their bullpen performance. From disastrous outings to impressive displays, the inconsistency has prompted general manager Jed Hoyer to seek reinforcement at the trade deadline. One of the key moves was acquiring veteran reliever Andrew Kittredge from the Baltimore Orioles. The Cubs aimed to enhance their relief depth with Kittredge, hoping his experience would provide stability in high-pressure situations.
Kittredge’s Performance Since Joining the Cubs
Since joining the Cubs, Kittredge’s performance has mirrored the team’s ups and downs. Over 14 appearances, he has posted a 4.15 ERA, which represents a slight decline from his earlier 3.45 ERA in 31 appearances with Baltimore. However, there are promising signs in his performance metrics: his strikeout rate has seen a modest increase while his walk rate has decreased, culminating in a commendable 0.923 WHIP over a limited sample of 13 innings.
Despite being 35 years old, Kittredge has shown he can still contribute effectively to a bullpen that has needed all the help it can get. Yet, as the season winds down, the Cubs must make a critical decision about his future with the club.
The Decision Ahead: Club Option Considerations
The Cubs have Kittredge under team control for the next season through a club option, but the prospect of exercising that option is uncertain. Recently, baseball insider Jeff Passan highlighted Kittredge as a candidate unlikely to have his option picked up. This raises the stakes for the veteran reliever as he looks to solidify his standing with the team in the final stretch of the season.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
As the Cubs deliberate their options, they are faced with weighing the pros and cons of retaining Kittredge. On one hand, his experience and recent performance suggest he could be a valuable asset in a bullpen still finding its footing. On the other hand, the financial implications of his contract and the potential to seek alternatives in the free-agent market may lead the Cubs to make a tough call.
With the conclusion of the season approaching, the Cubs must act decisively. Kittredge’s fate may still be in his hands, but as the days dwindle, the organization’s direction becomes clearer. The next few weeks will be pivotal, not just for Kittredge, but for the shaping of the Cubs’ bullpen for the future.
