In a surprising move this afternoon, multiple reports indicate that veteran right-handed pitcher Kyle Hendricks has agreed to a one-year, $3 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels. The transaction, which has yet to be officially announced by the Angels or the Chicago Cubs, marks the end of Hendricks’ long tenure in Chicago.
The 34-year-old, known affectionately as “The Professor” for his precise pitching style, has spent his entire MLB career with the Cubs since debuting in 2014. Hendricks was a key contributor to the Cubs’ 2016 World Series championship and has been a steady force in their rotation.
Hendricks, who has battled injuries in recent seasons, has struggled to regain his former dominance but remains a reliable arm when healthy. He had a 3.99 ERA in 2023, but his performance was marked by flashes of the consistency that made him one of the most dependable pitchers in the Cubs’ rotation during their 2016 title run.
The Angels, who have been looking to bolster their pitching staff, see Hendricks as a low-risk, high-reward signing. With a limited budget for free-agent acquisitions, the Angels are hoping Hendricks can provide some stability to their rotation behind ace Shohei Ohtani, who is recovering from elbow surgery.
The deal includes incentives based on performance, which could push the total value higher if Hendricks meets certain milestones. The Angels are reportedly excited about the possibility of Hendricks mentoring some of their younger pitchers, particularly in terms of pitching strategy and control.
Hendricks’ departure from Chicago ends a memorable chapter with the Cubs, where he amassed 85 career wins and a 3.47 ERA over nine seasons. He was known for his elite command of the strike zone, rarely walking hitters and keeping the ball in the park.
With the Cubs looking to the future, this move was part of a broader effort to reshape the pitching staff and invest in younger arms. Hendricks’ departure leaves a significant hole in the Cubs’ rotation, though the team still has several talented pitchers to build around moving forward.
Cubs fans, who have come to love Hendricks for his clutch postseason performances and consistent approach, will likely feel a sense of loss. His departure also signals the end of an era for the Cubs, who are transitioning into a new phase of their rebuilding process.
As Hendricks heads to Anaheim, he joins an Angels team that is still searching for postseason success despite having two of the game’s biggest stars in Ohtani and Mike Trout. Hendricks will look to bring his experience to a team hoping to finally break through in the competitive American League.
Stay tuned for more updates as the deal is expected to be finalized in the coming days, with Hendricks potentially reporting to the Angels’ spring training in Arizona.
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