Reasons the Cubs shouldn’t trade Kyle Hendricks |
As the Cubs continue their season-long jockey between the prospect of buying at the trade deadline or executing their third straight midseason selloff, rumors have begun to swirl about Chicago’s potential trade chips.
Beyond the obvious targets like Cody Bellinger, Marcus Stroman, and Yan Gomes, Kyle Hendricks’ name lies among them. Hendricks is the longest currently tenured Cub and the only player on the active roster with the Cubs during their 2016 World Series Championship. When many look back at that roster, a common memory is that the Cubs failed to extend their talent for the long term (whether or not you believe that was the wise decision). However, Hendricks was the only member of that core that received an extension. Hendricks was required from the Rangers at the 2012 Trade Deadline for Ryan Dempster and made his Cubs debut in the second half of 2014 and had a 7-2 record with a 2.46 ERA in that rookie campaign. Hendricks turned into one of the most reliable pitchers in the MLB. In his first seven seasons, Hendricks never saw his ERA above 4.00 — highlighted by his ERA title in 2016 — which earned him a four-year 55 million dollar contract extension after the 2019 season. After the COVID season (coincidentally when Hendricks turned 30), he began to break down a little despite never being known for his velocity. After all, Hendricks earned the nickname “The Professor” due to his ability to rely on command and control the strike zone. During 2021 and 2022, Hendricks struggled for the first time in his career and battled multiple injuries. Hendricks landed on the injured list after his start on July 5th, 2022, and did not return until near the end of May of this season. But Hendricks has had quite the resurgence here in 2023. The 33-year-old is 4-4 with a 3.45 ERA in just over 70 innings pitched. The Dartmouth Grad has been known over time for his calm demeanor and excellent command — which has led to him being an outstanding big-game pitcher (highlighted, of course, with his impressive outings in Game 6 of the 2016 NLCS and, of course, Game 7 of the World Series). Since the soft-tosser has returned to form, many around the league believe he could be a valuable addition to a contending team. Down the stretch, Hendricks could shore up the middle/back end of any contender’s rotation — and his leadership and playoff pedigree would make acquiring him that much more attractive. So when the Cubs dipped far below .500, that thrust Hendricks into the midst of trade rumors. The Cubs have spent the last month or so with every game holding a bit more weight as they try to play themselves into buying position in a weak National League Central Division. If the Cubs do desire to contend this season and beyond — you always need pitching, and Hendricks has been as steady as they come. It certainly makes sense to keep Kyle Hendricks in Chicago. He is a reliable starting pitcher and wants to be in Chicago. Unlike Stroman and Bellinger, who will likely see big money in the off-season from the Cubs, or elsewhere — Hendricks has a high likelihood of staying in Chicago because he has signed an extension before, and he will likely be very affordable. As long as he continues to perform, I see no reason why the Cubs would not bring him back to finish his career in Chicago. His leadership is valued, the talent is still there, and he is the last-standing World Champion. Don’t make the Cubs say goodbye to another core member of their organization, especially one who is flashing signs of his old self this season.
