Ranking Cubs free agents based on likelihood of re-signing: #1 - Kyle Hendricks
Just recently, we heard that the Cubs bringing back Kyle Hendricks was a 'foregone conclusion' given how the veteran has pitched since his return from 2022 shoulder surgery. Given his relationship with David Ross and the team's need of consistency and depth in the rotation, this is a slam dunk.
The last remaining member of Chicago's 2016 World Series championship team isn't what he was at his peak, but is still very capable of keeping opposing lineups off balance every five days. His WHIP and FIP are both right in line with his career marks this year and he's seemingly gotten past the home run woes that plagued him in 2021 and 2022.
Who knows if 2024 will be his last season on the North Side. He's spent his entire big league career with the Cubs and may be one of the rare birds that manages to stick with one club until he hangs up his spikes. One of the most underrated Cubs pitchers ever, though, will surely be back next year.