Chicago Cubs News: Kyle Hendricks and Yan Gomes returning for the 2024 season

Rather than wait until the official deadline on Monday night, the Chicago Cubs announced on Sunday afternoon that they have picked up the 2024 options for starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks and catcher Yan Gomes.

Hendricks had a $16MM club option for the 2024 season and while there was some thought that the Cubs may prefer an extension with the veteran starting pitcher as a way of lowering the $16MM amount for the 2024 season, the team ultimately decided to pick up the option. Now that the option has been exercised, it would seem unlikely that an extension will be had between the two sides.

After the Cubs saved $21MM by way of Marcus Stroman opting out of his current contract, the idea of paying $16MM remains good value for the role that Hendricks will serve with the team in 2024.

In his return from extensive shoulder surgery that ended his 2022 season in July, Hendricks was effective in 2023. Hendricks made 24 starts with the Cubs last season while posting a 3.74 ERA. At this point in his career, Hendricks has his limitations and should not be considered a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher but still is a veteran who can eat up innings and stabilize the bottom of the rotation.

At $6MM, it is also no surprise that the Cubs brought back Yan Gomes for the 2024 season. In the first season post-Willson Contreras for the Cubs, Gomes emerged as an emotional leader for the team and his play was just as encouraging on the field. In 419 plate appearances last season, Gomes slashed .267/.315/.408 while also being a stable force for the Cubs' pitching staff. It would seem that the plan is for Gomes to start the 2024 season as the Cubs' starting catcher while Miguel Amaya continues to be groomed as the heir apparent at the position.

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