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Kyle Hendrick was the starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday and his efforts, or lack thereof, were the main reason why the Cubs' offense needed to do something that hasn't been done yet this season in order to sweep the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Hendricks failed to last 2 innings in the start against the Pirates, giving up 6 runs on 8 hits along the way. It was the latest reminder that Cubs fans may be in the final weeks of seeing Hendricks in a Cubs uniform.
Hendricks is in the final year of the four-year contract he signed with the Cubs prior to the 2020 season and it's been a season that has proven that time remains undefeated. Through 23 appearances this season, Hendricks sports a 6.33 ERA. With a fWAR of 0.0 this season, it's proof that Hendricks has become a replacement-level pitcher.
In mapping out the Cubs' rotation for the 2025 season, assuming health, there isn't an argument that can be made for the Cubs to bring back Hendricks. At the very least, the Cubs can make a rotation of Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, Javier Assad, and Jordan Wicks. That doesn't account for Cade Horton or Ben Brown either, both who have had injury-riddled 2024 seasons but remain factors in the 2025 roster construction.
The final chapter of the Chicago Cubs' 2016 World Series team is about to end.
For as sentimental as Jed Hoyer has been with Kyle Hendricks' decline since the second half of the 2023 season, let's not forget that Craig Counsell was quick to move him to the bullpen after his struggles in the rotation to open the season. Assuming Counsell's influence on the Cubs' roster grows this offseason, there isn't a scenario where any serious thought should be put into Hendricks returning next season.
Above any returns to Wrigley Field for members of the 2016 core, it will be Hendricks' exit that truly signals the Cubs moving on and rightfully so. 2025 will mark only one year away from the World Series victory already being a decade ago.