The St. Louis Cardinals appear to be entering a transitional phase, with a focus on developing younger talent and potentially offloading key veterans as they reset their strategy.
One notable player who could depart is reliever Andrew Kittredge, whose impressive performance in 2024 made him a standout in the Cardinals’ bullpen.
Kittredge’s strong stats—highlighted by a 2.80 ERA and solid strikeout-to-walk ratio—make him an attractive option for teams needing bullpen reinforcement.
The San Diego Padres, who are now without Joe Musgrove due to a season-ending UCL injury, might be a natural fit for Kittredge.
Given the Padres’ need for a high-leverage reliever to stabilize their bullpen, Kittredge’s consistency and postseason experience could prove invaluable.
A projected two-year, $7 million contract would be a cost-effective move for the Padres, especially considering Kittredge’s success in 2024.
His addition would complement San Diego’s efforts to remain competitive while navigating injury setbacks and maintaining financial flexibility.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals seem poised to explore a new era, potentially moving pieces like closer Ryan Helsley to further bolster their farm system. The offseason could bring significant roster changes for both teams, with moves like these reflecting broader strategic shifts.
