The Chicago Cubs’ historic 2016 World Series victory ended a 108-year championship drought and is etched in baseball lore. However, as time marches on, the roster that achieved that momentous triumph has undergone significant changes. Today, only one player remains from that championship-winning team: Kyle Hendricks.
Hendricks, a talented right-handed pitcher, has remained a consistent and reliable presence for the Cubs since his Major League debut in 2014. His journey with the Cubs began in 2012 when he was acquired from the Texas Rangers in a trade that sent him and infielder Christian Villanueva to Chicago in exchange for Ryan Dempster.
During the magical 2016 season, Hendricks played a pivotal role in the Cubs’ success. He boasted the lowest ERA among starting pitchers in all of baseball, finishing the season with an impressive 2.13 ERA. Hendricks took the mound for critical moments, including the NLCS clinching game and Game 7 of the World Series.
Now, with a decade of MLB experience under his belt, all with the Chicago Cubs, Hendricks is set to return for his 11th season with the team. The Cubs exercised their $16.5 million club option for the 34-year-old pitcher during the offseason. However, Hendricks revealed that there have been no discussions about a contract extension, leaving his future with the team uncertain beyond 2024.
In 2023, Hendricks experienced a rebound season, posting an ERA of 3.74 and an ERA+ of 120 over 24 starts and 137 innings pitched. This marked a significant improvement from the previous two seasons when his ERA had hovered around 5.00. Injuries had plagued Hendricks during those challenging years, but he now emphasizes that he is healthy and has enjoyed a normal offseason, which bodes well for his performance in the upcoming 2024 season.
As the longest-tenured player on the Cubs’ roster, Hendricks expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to continue representing the franchise. He views Chicago as a special place and is focused on the team’s goal of returning to the postseason.
“I can’t thank all of them enough for bringing me back and giving me an opportunity to play for the Cubs. There’s obviously nowhere I’d rather be. It’s the most special place in the world,” Hendricks shared with Patrick Mooney of The Athletic.
For now, Hendricks is not dwelling on his future but remains dedicated to helping the Cubs succeed in the upcoming season. If he can replicate his strong performance from last year, he may play a pivotal role in the team’s postseason aspirations once again.