Chicago Cubs: Predicting what the 2022 starting rotation will look like

Chicago Cubs: Pondering the starting rotation for 2022 – #3: Kyle Hendricks

Coming in at number three for obvious reasons due to the simple fact he is still under contract, Kyle Hendricks. Not that he would be going anywhere regardless. Hendricks has been a bright spot in this rotation since the Cubs won it all and is the only remaining piece in that rotation to still be wearing Cubbie blue.

Though Hendricks’ numbers are down this year with a 4.43 ERA, I can pretty much guarantee he will be back to his well above average numbers in no time. Hendricks is currently 14-6 on the season, with most of the losses he has taken coming in starts where he gets absolutely shelled like giving up eight to the White Sox or nine to the Brewers earlier in August. Those types of outings where you just don’t have it will butcher your ERA. Then, out of nowhere, he’ll come out and throw eight innings of shutout ball and look like Cy Young doing so.

Hendricks will pitch for the Cubs in 2022 and 2023 before he hitting a vesting option with a $1.5 million buyout for 2024. Thankfully, Chicago didn’t dump him at the deadline along with the rest of the core. He has been a mainstay for awhile now and one of the few original fan favorites the Wrigleyville faithful has left. I have full confidence in Hendricks turning it around and finishing the year strong.