In a surprising turn of events, the Chicago Cubs have decided to part ways with Andrew Kittredge, sending him back to the Baltimore Orioles in a cash-only deal—a move that raises eyebrows and questions about the team's future strategy. But here's where it gets controversial: is this a smart financial play or a missed opportunity to retain a reliable arm? Let’s dive in.
On November 4, 2025, the Cubs officially ended their short-term rental of right-handed reliever Andrew Kittredge, trading him back to the Orioles for cash considerations. Kittredge, 35, had been a steady presence in Chicago’s bullpen, appearing in 23 regular-season games and posting a respectable 3.38 ERA. Notably, he stepped up with five saves during a critical stretch when the Cubs were forced to fill the void left by injured reliever Daniel Palencia. Kittredge’s contributions didn’t stop there—he also made five playoff appearances, showcasing his versatility under pressure.
The Cubs had acquired Kittredge from the Orioles at the trade deadline in exchange for a minor league player, making this latest move feel like a full-circle moment. However, it’s the timing and implications of this trade that spark debate. With the offseason looming, Chicago faces a daunting task: rebuilding their bullpen from the ground up. Key relievers like Drew Pomeranz, Brad Keller, Caleb Thielbar, Taylor Rogers, Ryan Brasier, and Michael Soroka are all set to hit free agency, leaving the Cubs with significant holes to fill.
And this is the part most people miss: the Kittredge trade wasn’t the only pitching-related move the Cubs made that day. According to Jesse Rogers, the team and starter Shota Imanaga mutually declined their contract options, paving the way for the left-hander to test the free-agent market. This double whammy of departures underscores the urgency—and uncertainty—surrounding Chicago’s pitching staff.
Here’s the million-dollar question: Did the Cubs make the right call by trading Kittredge for cash, or should they have prioritized retaining a proven reliever in a bullpen that’s about to undergo a major overhaul? Some argue that the cash infusion could help the Cubs pursue bigger names in free agency, while others believe letting go of a reliable arm like Kittredge only adds to their offseason challenges. What do you think? Is this a strategic move or a risky gamble? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to heat up as the Cubs navigate their uncertain future.
