Cubs reportedly working on a multi-year extension for Kyle Hendricks

Since the 2023 season ended, there has been plenty of speculation that veteran pitcher Kyle Hendricks would return in 2024. In his address to the media a few weeks ago, Cubs president of baseball ops Jed Hoyer mentioned how much he loves having Hendricks on the team, and how he wants to keep him on the team beyond just 2024. Hendricks has a $16 million club option next year.

Saturday morning MLB insider Bruce Levine spoke on 670 the Score saying that the Cubs are indeed working out an extension with the 33-year old righty.

"According to league sources, the Cubs are working on an extension (for Kyle Hendricks) not only just picking up the $16 million option," said Levine. He added that the Cubs value the fact that he can give five to six innings consistently despite the fact he does not throw 90+ MPH.

If this is indeed the case, and it seems like very credible information, bet on "The Professor" being a Cub next year. An extension for Hendricks can be structured in very reasonable terms that would not include a ton of money or years. This would be his second extension with the Cubs, his first was signed back in 2019 when he was given a four year, $55.5 million deal with the 2024 option.

Kyle Hendricks can give Cubs rotation consistency moving forward

There was a lot of fear that Hendricks was done after two rough seasons in 2021 and 2022. However, he recovered from the capsular tear in his shoulder and bounced back this past season. In 24 starts he pitched to a very solid 3.74 ERA, 1.2 WHIP, 3.81 FIP and 1.8 BB/9. This was much more like the Hendricks we knew for many years.

Will he reach the 2016-era levels again? Probably not, but if he can pitch like he did in 2023 going forward as a back-end rotation guy, we will take that. The pressure should not be on him to be an Opening Day starter or top-of-the-rotation pitcher anymore, but a he can still veteran who can be relied on to eat some innings and keep the Cubs in games.