Chicago Cubs’ Kyle Hendricks: From under the radar to postseason ace

CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 31: Kyle Hendricks
CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 31: Kyle Hendricks /
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Just over a few years into his career, Kyle Hendricks will take the mound for the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the 2017 NLDS.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks did not burst onto the scene as a top overall prospect. His arrival in the big leagues was not reminiscent of someone like Noah Syndergaard or Clayton Kershaw.

But four seasons into his career, Hendricks has won a World Series, placed third among NL Cy Young award finalists, finished a full season as MLB’s ERA leader, and now he’s set to start Game 1 of the NLDS. By most accounts, Hendricks has well exceeded the expectations people had for him when he entered the league.

The comparisons have been there. But it’s always “he reminds me of Greg Maddux, but obviously, he isn’t.” With each passing day, we might be able to drop the “obviously he isn’t,” and start talking about what makes him so similar.