Chicago Cubs: Starting rotation is primed for a strong year

No. 2 starter – Kyle Hendricks

When Kyle Hendricks came over to Chicago, he showed promise. And the more he pitched, the more he was compared to Greg Maddux. Clearly, those are high standards to live up to. But it’s starting to seem more and more likely that Hendricks is on the right path. After winning the ERA title in the National League in 2016 with a 2.13, it looked like Hendricks was ready to breakout. But an injury slowed him down last year, sort of.

Hendricks pitched in just 24 games, allowing a 3.03 ERA in 139 2/3 innings. It’s hard to be as good as he was in 2016, but he wasn’t all that far off. His FIP was 3.88, something that some are taking note of. Will Hendricks begin to trend in the opposite direction of what he has? He has been as consistent as they come, but maybe a break is ahead of him?

Despite what Fangraphs has to say about him, I don’t see Hendricks letting up. The injury took its toll on him, and maybe even after he returned to the rotation. As I was told by one reader, “your body of work speaks for itself.” And until you change it, that is who you are. Well, I’m content with Hendricks body of work. I’ll stick with that until it indeed changes.