The Baltimore Orioles are heading into a very interesting offseason. With a team that struggled for most of the 2025 season, the Orioles could look to make some major moves to shake up the roster.
But one thing remains clear: the Orioles should look to contend once again. The 2025 season might've been a mirage, and the team's 2024 regular season could be the real Orioles' potential.
According to ESPN's Jesse Rogers, the Orioles are beginning their offseason with a very savvy move. Looking to contend once again, the Orioles are reacquiring an All-Star reliever they sent to the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline.
Orioles swing a savvy trade with the Cubs to reacquire All-Star reliever
"The Cubs have traded Andrew Kittredge back to the Orioles for cash considerations, per both teams," Rogers reports.
The Cubs have traded Andrew Kittredge back to the Orioles for cash considerations, per both teams.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) November 4, 2025
This is a very interesting move from the Orioles, as not only will they likely pick up his $9 million option, but they will have reacquired their All-Star reliever for just some cash.
Baltimore is reacquiring Kittredge, whom the Orioles traded to the Cubs at the 2025 trade deadline. Chicago sent the Orioles a decent prospect as well.
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Wilfri De La Cruz was sent to the Orioles for the Kittredge. While the Cubs got 23 games out of the veteran reliever, the Orioles got back a prospect who is now the Orioles' 24th-ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline.
What this means is that for just a half-season of Kittredge, the Orioles got a top-30 prospect with some intriguing potential. And then later in the offseason, they reacquired Kittredge for only cash considerations.
The Cubs gave up an 18-year-old prospect for 23 games out of Kittredge, and then shipped him back to the team they acquired him from.
Baltimore effectively loaned Kittredge to the Cubs at the price of an interesting prospect and some cash. It's a very savvy move for the Orioles front office, and a good way to begin what could be a busy offseason.
More Orioles News:
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- Orioles trade pitch lands Astros' 2.28 ERA reliever in 'Wild' three-team deal
- Orioles urged to re-sign former AL wins leader despite injury concerns
- Former MLB GM links Orioles to three-time NPB All-Star pitcher