The Chicago Cubs have been a dominant force in the MLB for many years, but as they gear up for the upcoming season, there is one area that needs some attention – their starting pitching rotation. With the departure of veteran pitcher Jon Lester, the Cubs are in need of an additional starter to solidify their rotation. And one MLB writer has suggested a reunion with a familiar face – Kyle Hendricks.
Hendricks, who spent six seasons with the Cubs before being traded to the Texas Rangers in 2020, has proven himself to be a reliable and consistent pitcher. In his time with the Cubs, he had a 3.12 ERA and was a key contributor to the team’s 2016 World Series win. So, it’s no surprise that MLB writer, David Schoenfield, has proposed the idea of bringing Hendricks back to the Cubs.
The Cubs’ starting rotation currently consists of Kyle Hendricks, Zach Davies, Alec Mills, and Adbert Alzolay. While Hendricks is undoubtedly the ace of the rotation, the other three pitchers have yet to establish themselves as consistent starters. This is where the addition of another starting pitcher, like Hendricks, could make a significant impact on the team’s success this season.
Hendricks’ numbers speak for themselves. In his last full season with the Cubs in 2019, he had a 3.46 ERA and 147 strikeouts in 177 innings pitched. He also has a career 3.12 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP, making him one of the most reliable pitchers in the league. His ability to consistently pitch deep into games and limit walks and home runs is exactly what the Cubs need in their rotation.
But it’s not just his numbers that make Hendricks an attractive option for the Cubs. He also brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team. As a former Cub, he is familiar with the organization and the city of Chicago. He has also proven himself to be a valuable mentor to younger pitchers, which could be beneficial for the Cubs’ young rotation.
Bringing Hendricks back to the Cubs would not only strengthen their starting rotation but also provide a boost to the team’s morale. The Cubs have had a tumultuous offseason, with the departure of key players like Lester and Yu Darvish. Reuniting with Hendricks would bring a sense of stability and familiarity to the team, which could have a positive impact on their performance on the field.
Of course, there are some factors that need to be considered before the Cubs can make a move for Hendricks. The Rangers may not be willing to part ways with him, and if they do, it would likely come at a high cost. The Cubs also have a limited budget, and adding another starting pitcher may not be their top priority.
However, if the Cubs are serious about competing for another World Series title, they need to seriously consider bringing Hendricks back into the fold. He has proven himself to be a valuable asset to the team in the past, and there is no reason to believe he wouldn’t continue to be a key contributor.
In addition to his on-field performance, Hendricks also brings a positive attitude and work ethic to the team. He is known for his calm demeanor and ability to stay focused under pressure, which could be beneficial for the Cubs’ young pitchers. He also takes his role as a leader seriously and is always willing to help his teammates improve.
In conclusion, the Chicago Cubs need an additional starting pitcher this season, and Kyle Hendricks could be the perfect fit. His consistent performance, leadership qualities, and familiarity with the team make him an ideal candidate to reunite with the Cubs. While there may be some obstacles in making this happen, the potential benefits for the team far outweigh any challenges. Let’s hope the Cubs seriously consider bringing Hendricks back and give their starting rotation the boost it needs to compete at the highest level.
