Chicago Cubs: Your way too early 2018 season predictions

Kyle Hendricks wins ’18

2016 was the year Hendricks showed why he’ll eventually command a Lester sized contract. Check out his slash line: 2.13 ERA, 196 strikeouts to just 44 walks and an impressive 0.979 WHIP – all on a $561,000 salary. He backslid in 2017, giving up more home runs (17) in fewer innings (139) than 2016, but out of fairness the newly-crowned Cubs ace was recovering from an injury.

I believe during the 2018 season, the man goes into beast mode, and I’ll explain why.

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Most of the National League contending teams like Washington, Los Angeles and St. Louis haven’t hit Hendricks particularly well. In fact, before St. Louis‘ acquisition of Marcell Ozuna, only Dexter Fowler (.400 career vs. Hendricks) and Milwaukee’s Travis Shaw (.333) did significant damage to Hendricks in the Central. Ozuna isn’t ‘over-the-top’ great against him (.300, 2B, 3 RBI), so I’m not particularly concerned if Ozuna hits 50 homers as none will come against Hendricks  anyway.

Yes, Joey Votto did hit Kyle well (.500, 2,2), but Votto hits everyone well. And we’re all relatively certain Cincinnati’s willingness to offload Cozart and listen to offers on speedster Billy Hamilton means an impending fire sale is obvious, so whatever Votto does against Hendricks is moot.

As Chicago invites pitchers and catchers in February, he will be more mentally complete and physically healed than 2017.

I’m giving Kyle an 18-7 record, 2.59 earned run average and 180/41 strikeout-to-walk ratio with a home run to boot.