Former Oriole, Now A Cub, Andrew Kittredge: The Teammate He Wants To Face (and Beat)

James

3 min read

Post on Aug 06, 2025

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Former Oriole, Now a Cub, Andrew Kittredge: The Teammate He Wants to Face (and Beat)

Andrew Kittredge, the veteran reliever who recently transitioned from the Baltimore Orioles to the Chicago Cubs, has a specific target in mind for his upcoming matchups: his former Orioles teammate, Gunnar Henderson. This isn't just friendly competition; Kittredge is openly expressing his desire to not only face Henderson but decisively conquer him on the diamond. This intriguing rivalry adds a spicy subplot to the already compelling Orioles-Cubs matchups this season.

The dynamic between Kittredge and Henderson wasn't one of animosity in Baltimore, but rather one built on mutual respect and fierce competition during daily practices. Now, their friendly rivalry takes center stage as they transition from teammates to opponents. This shift creates a fascinating storyline, offering baseball fans a unique angle to follow throughout the season.

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A Friendly Rivalry Turned Intense Competition

Kittredge, known for his crafty pitching style and ability to induce weak contact, recognizes Henderson's burgeoning star power. Henderson, a young, powerful hitter with impressive all-around skills, is quickly establishing himself as one of baseball's brightest young stars. This inherent mismatch in styles—the seasoned veteran against the rising star—sets the stage for some captivating battles at the plate.

"Gunnar's a great hitter, one of the best I've faced," Kittredge recently stated in an interview. "He's got power, he's got patience, and he's smart at the plate. But I'm excited for the challenge. I want to face him, and I want to get him out." This candid statement perfectly encapsulates the intensity and respect interwoven into their budding rivalry.

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More Than Just a Matchup: A Reflection of Team Dynamics

The Kittredge-Henderson rivalry isn't just a personal duel; it also serves as a microcosm of the shifting dynamics between the Orioles and Cubs. Both teams are contenders in their respective divisions, making their matchups this season highly anticipated. The performances of key players like Kittredge and Henderson will significantly impact their teams' success. Every at-bat between them will be a battle not only for personal bragging rights but also for crucial runs and ultimately, a win.

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The Impact on Fans and the Media

The storyline surrounding Kittredge's desire to outduel Henderson has already captivated fans and garnered significant media attention. Baseball analysts are eagerly anticipating their matchups, predicting the tactical battles and strategic approaches both players will employ. Social media is buzzing with anticipation, with fans already creating hashtags and discussing the impending clashes. This added layer of narrative intrigue significantly boosts fan engagement and elevates the overall viewing experience.

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Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter

The upcoming Orioles-Cubs series represents more than just a regular season matchup; it’s a stage for Kittredge and Henderson to showcase their talents and settle their friendly rivalry. The anticipation is palpable, and fans will be glued to their screens to witness this captivating clash between former teammates turned fierce competitors. The question remains: Will Kittredge achieve his goal of consistently outsmarting Henderson, or will Henderson's power and skill prevail? Only time will tell, and the upcoming games promise to provide some thrilling answers. Stay tuned!

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