Kyle Hendricks, a right-handed pitcher known for his steady presence on the mound, is officially retiring after a major-league career spanning parts of 12 seasons, most notably with the Chicago Cubs. Over the course of his career, Hendricks compiled a solid record of 105 wins and 91 losses, with a 3.79 earned run average (ERA), a 1.19 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP), and 1,373 strikeouts in 1,745 innings pitched. While these statistics may not elevate him to Hall of Fame status—he might appear on the ballot a decade from now but is unlikely to receive significant votes—his legacy lies far beyond the numbers. Hendricks left a lasting impact on the Cubs organization and its fan base, particularly for his role in one of the most memorable seasons in franchise history.
The pinnacle of Hendricks’ career came during the 2016 season, a magical year when the Cubs ended their century-long championship drought by winning the World Series. That year, Hendricks was a key figure in the team’s success, finishing third in the National League Cy Young Award voting and securing the ERA title with an impressive 2.13 mark. But his contributions went well beyond statistics, as he played a central role in some of the most pivotal games in Cubs history.
Hendricks’ journey to major-league stardom began somewhat under the radar. An eighth-round draft pick out of Dartmouth College, he initially started his professional career with the Texas Rangers. However, his path took a decisive turn in 2012 when he was traded to the Cubs as part of a deal for veteran pitcher Ryan Dempster. This trade was a piece of the larger rebuilding puzzle orchestrated by Cubs president Theo Epstein and his front office, who were focused on transforming the struggling franchise. While the Cubs aggressively acquired high-profile position players like Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Kyle Schwarber between 2012 and 2014, skeptics frequently questioned the team’s pitching depth, asking, “Who’s going to pitch?”
The Cubs addressed this concern partly through free agency, signing established starters Jon Lester before the 2015 season and John Lackey before 2016. However, the rotation truly solidified thanks to the development of homegrown talent and savvy trades. Jake Arrieta, another key piece obtained during Epstein’s tenure, emerged as a dominant force, and Hendricks steadily earned his place alongside him. Hendricks’ minor league performance after joining the Cubs was strong, and he made his major-league debut in 2014. That rookie year, he impressed with a 7-2 record and a 2.46 ERA over 13 starts, signaling his potential as a reliable starter. Though his performance dipped slightly in 2015, he gained valuable postseason experience that helped prepare him for the challenges ahead.
The 2016 season was Hendricks’ breakout year. He pitched like an ace, demonstrating precision, control, and poise on the mound. His 16-8 record was buttressed by a remarkable 196 ERA+ (an adjusted ERA statistic that accounts for league and ballpark factors), reflecting his dominance relative to the league average. His ability to consistently limit runs and manage games was integral to the Cubs’ success that year.
One of the most dramatic moments of Hendricks’ 2016 postseason came in the National League Division Series (NLDS) against the San Francisco Giants. In Game 2, Hendricks was hit in the shin by a line drive, forcing him out of the game after just 3 and 2/3 innings. Despite this scare, he bounced back to make a significant impact in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Over his final four starts in that series, Hendricks posted an astonishing 0.83 ERA, showcasing his dominance on the biggest stage.
His finest hour arrived in Game 6 of the NLCS, a game laden with historical significance for Cubs fans. The franchise had not won the National League pennant since 1945, and they held a 3-2 series lead against the Dodgers. Hendricks was tasked with outpitching Clayton Kershaw, one of baseball’s all-time great pitchers. Hendricks rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion. Though he allowed a leadoff single, the runner