CARDINALS ACQUIRE KITTREDGE
The St. Louis Cardinals acquired pitcher Andrew Kittredge from the Tampa Bay Rays for outfielder/infielder Richie Palacios.
What does it give the St. Louis Cardinals
After acquiring three starting pitchers in free agency, the Cardinals dealt from their surplus of outfielders to acquire a bullpen arm. Kittredge could slot in as a setup man in front of Ryan Helsley in 2024. The St. Louis pitching staff appears greatly improved from the end of last season.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Rays
Palacios could take the roster spot of Luke Raley, traded earlier in the day to Seattle. Palacios had a hot end to the 2023 season. He will offer more contact but less power than Raley. Losing Kittredge may not hurt the Rays too much, as they seem to find new relievers each season to add their bullpen.
Fantasy impact
Kittredge could hold value as a setup man if he was on a better team, but on a team that struggled last season it is hard to imagine him being a valuable fantasy option to start 2024. Palacios is probably a platoon option in Tampa Bay. He is a waiver-wire fantasy player (at best) in deep leagues.
