Chicago Cubs Face Critical Decision on Andrew Kittredge’s $9M Option: A Bullpen Crossroads.vc
CHICAGO — As the 2025 World Series looms, the Chicago Cubs are at a pivotal juncture, weighing whether to exercise the $9 million club option for 2026 on veteran reliever Andrew Kittredge or pay a $1 million buyout and let him walk. Acquired from the Baltimore Orioles at the 2025 trade deadline, Kittredge’s standout performance—coupled with his leadership—makes this a high-stakes call for Jed Hoyer’s front office, balancing financial constraints, bullpen stability, and playoff aspirations.
Kittredge’s Value: A Proven Arm in High-Leverage Moments
Kittredge, 35, was a revelation for the Cubs after joining in July 2025. As the sports card above details, he went 2-1 with a 3.32 ERA, 32 strikeouts, and 5 saves in 23 appearances, boasting a 13.29 K/9 and a stellar 0.83 WHIP. His immaculate inning against the Reds on August 6—striking out Austin Hays, Gavin Lux, and Tyler Stephenson on nine pitches—marked a rare feat, the sixth in Cubs history. North Side Baseball highlights his elite Location+ (sixth among 417 pitchers post-deadline) and above-average Stuff+, transforming him into a “super-weapon” for high-pressure spots. “I’ve always put the team first,” Kittredge said, emphasizing his readiness to adapt to any role, a mindset that endeared him to manager Craig Counsell.
His 2024 season with the Cardinals (2.80 ERA, NL-leading 37 holds) and 2021 All-Star nod with the Rays underscore his pedigree, despite a 2022 Tommy John surgery. For a Cubs bullpen that faltered in July (6.00 ERA), Kittredge’s 34.3% whiff rate on his slider and 94.9 mph sinker provided stability alongside closer Daniel Palencia.
The Financial Dilemma: $9M Option vs. Bullpen Overhaul
The Cubs’ $200 million payroll in 2025, coupled with looming decisions like Shōta Imanaga’s $57M option, forces Hoyer to weigh Kittredge’s $9M cost against other needs. Sports Mockery notes that declining the option could signal a push to re-sign breakout reliever Brad Keller, while free agents like Edwin Diaz or Devin Williams loom as pricier alternatives. ChiCitySports warns that five of eight NLDS relievers (Keller, Pomeranz, Thielbar, Rogers, Soroka) are free agents, leaving Palencia and Nate Pearson as the only locks for 2026, with Pearson’s 9.20 ERA shaky at best. A $9M commitment to a 36-year-old with injury history (knee debridement in 2025) is a gamble, especially with Chicago’s history of frugal bullpen builds.
Yet, Kittredge’s intangibles—mentoring young arms like Porter Hodge and Eli Morgan—add value beyond stats. “His leadership and experience are invaluable,” fans noted on X, with one post declaring, “Kittredge’s worth $9M for what he brings to the clubhouse alone.”
Strategic Implications: Keep or Cut?
Exercising the option secures a proven reliever for a Cubs team chasing a 2026 World Series after a 92-win 2025 and an NLCS loss. Declining it risks depleting a bullpen already facing turnover, forcing reliance on unproven arms or bargain signings, a strategy ChiCitySports calls a “postseason dilemma” after 2025’s pitching woes. North Side Baseball suggests that keeping Kittredge likely rules out re-signing Keller, while declining it opens the door for a bigger splash.
Recommendation: Exercise the Option
Given Kittredge’s impact (see the sports card above for his 3.32 ERA and 5 saves), leadership, and the thin relief market, the Cubs should pick up the $9M option. His elite control (1.25 BB/9) and postseason experience outweigh the cost, especially with a rotation anchored by Justin Steele and Dansby Swanson’s reaffirmed loyalty. Losing him risks repeating 2025’s July bullpen collapse, and his veteran presence complements a young core eyeing a deep playoff run.
