Beloved former Cubs hurler reportedly set to retire at the end of the season

The man affectionately referred to as "The Professor" by legions of Chicago Cubs fans might have taught his last class. Kyle Hendricks is expected to officially announce his retirement sometime after the 2025 season comes to a close.

Hendricks made his Cubs debut in the 2014 season and played for the team for his first 11 years in the Major Leagues. Always a steady presence on the mound despite the lack of anything that could be called overpowering stuff, the movement on his offspeed pitches made him one of the best in the business. That was especially the case in 2016 when he helped lead Chicago to a World Series win while posting a 16-8 record and a league-best 2.13 earned run average.

Kyle Hendricks reportedly planning to retire after 2025 season

Hendricks and the Cubs parted ways after the 2024 season, and he moved to the Los Angeles Angels. This season, he posted a solid if unspectacular 8-10 record with a 4.79 ERA. Now, Bob Nightengale is reporting that the veteran has told those close to him he plans to call it a career.

Nightengale's report isn't official as of yet, as Hendricks hasn't commented on whether he'll retire. There are also some reports that he hasn't officially decided. Still, it's believed he's been moving towards that decision for a while now.

If Hendricks does retire after the 2025 season, he'll go out still pitching well. In his penultimate start of the campaign, he allowed three hits. He struck out five without walking a batter over seven shutout innings.

The former Chicago Cubs legend is slated for one more start for the Angels on Friday. An announcement before that date would allow the team and the league to celebrate his career when he's set to take the mound. Of course, Kyle Hendricks doesn't seem like the kind of guy who might love that much fanfare directed at him.