Chicago Cubs: Kyle Hendricks must follow the formula in 2017

Last season, Kyle Hendricks emerged as an ace on the Chicago Cubs’ staff. Heading into 2017, the Cubs will need the same performance. What can we expect?

Headlines related to the Chicago Cubs’ starting rotation usually center on Jake Arrieta or Jon Lester. That makes sense, given the two have combined for four World Series titles and nearly half-a-dozen Cy Young-caliber campaigns.

In the last two years, however, another arm has emerged as a quality piece in the Chicago pitching staff. Kyle Hendricks broke onto the scene with the Cubs in 2014 and, since, has not posted an ERA north of 4.00.

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Last season was the pinnacle to-date for Hendricks and his big-league career. He finished third in National League Cy Young voting, thanks largely in-part to an MLB-best 2.13 earned run average in his 30 starts.

Arrieta is heading into a contract year, as is veteran John Lackey. This means, past 2017, it’s up to Hendricks and Lester to anchor the Chicago Cubs’ starting rotation.

Can Kyle Hendricks continue his recent dominance? Is it feasible to count on a 2.00-something ERA and 30 starts from the 27-year-old right-hander moving forward?

For the team to make another deep postseason run, this is a must-have. As the youngest member of the Cubs’ starting rotation, Hendricks will be key not just this year but in the seasons to come, as well.