LAS VEGAS — Longtime Chicago Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks, who gained an ERA title and a World Sequence championship throughout his 12-year huge league profession, is retiring, in line with his agent.
Hendricks, 35, performed final season with the Los Angeles Angels, compiling an 8-10 document with a 4.76 ERA. He spent his first 11 years with Chicago the place he gained 97 video games using a changeup/sinker mixture that stored hitters off-balance. He had a 3.68 ERA throughout his time with the Cubs, successful the ERA title in 2016, the identical yr Chicago gained the World Sequence.
Initially drafted by the Texas Rangers in 2011, Hendricks was acquired by the Cubs the next season, making his MLB debut in 2014. He compiled a 2.46 ERA in 13 begins that season whereas turning into a daily starter in Chicago’s rotation.
In 2016, he went 16-8 with a 2.13 ERA, the bottom in baseball. He outdueled Dodgers star Clayton Kershaw in Sport 6 of the NL Championship Sequence that yr, throwing 7⅓ shutout innings and serving to the Cubs clinch their first pennant since 1945. He additionally began Sport 7 of the World Sequence, ultimately gained by the Cubs in additional innings to interrupt a 108-year championship drought.
Hendricks’ nickname was “The Professor;” the Dartmouth alum was an skilled at his craft although his fastball velocity hardly ever exceeded 90 mph. In his later years, he was additionally recognized for his mentorship of youthful pitchers whereas displaying a laidback demeanor that adopted him all through his profession.
Hendricks acquired a Wrigley Subject farewell on the finish of the 2024 season. He obtained a curtain name from the Cubs crowd after throwing 7⅓ shutout innings in opposition to the Cincinnati Reds in what was his last begin for the workforce earlier than getting into free company.
“You may not have drawn that up any higher,” teammate Ian Happ mentioned that day. “He is an ideal instance of what it means to be a Chicago Cub. Not solely what he is executed on the sector however who he’s as an individual. It is vital on this sport to honor that.”
Hendricks has no teaching or front-office aspirations in the meanwhile as he needs to spend time with household.