Ranking the 3 most valuable Cubs trade candidates

3 most valuable Cubs trade candidates: #2 – Kyle Hendricks

For the better part of the last decade, Kyle Hendricks has played an integral role atop the Cubs rotation. He’s started some of the biggest postseason games in franchise history, most notably, the pennant-clincher against the Dodgers in 2016 and, of course, Game 7 of the 2016 World Series.

Despite running into some struggles over the last year or so, Hendricks is still very much capable of keeping even the most potent lineups in the league off-balance when he’s locked in, as was the case this week against the Padres in San Diego.

Hendricks is under control through 2023 – and the vesting option for 2024 is a non-factor. That means you’re looking at a year-and-a-half of his services in any trade. That could prove attractive given the relative affordability (he makes just $14 million annually this year and next) and the potential upside you get in adding a pitcher of his caliber.

He’s done everything asked of him and then some during his Cubs career, yet somehow remains underrated nationally. But if you’re a club in need of quality rotation depth with an eye on October, there are few more attractive arms to be had than Hendricks.