As the Chicago Cubs strive to return to the playoffs in 2024, they’ll need effective starting pitching to carry them throughout the season. The team is off to a decent 7-5 start, but Kyle Hendricks’ production hasn’t been up to par.
In his final season before entering free agency, Hendricks owns a 12.08 ERA through three starts. That’s simply just not good enough for a team with postseason expectations, and the Cubs should consider contingency plans to fortify their rotation.
Chicago has plenty of young, capable arms in the pipeline. Ben Brown has looked sharp after his rocky debut, while Jordan Wicks and Javier Assad have proven that they can hang with the best of them in the starting rotation. Additionally, it won’t be long before top prospect Cade Horton makes his big-league debut.
It’s not like the Cubs are in dire need of innings eaters or in a rebuilding situation where they can wait to see if things turn around. If the team is all in on making the playoffs in 2024, they need to make the tough decisions to optimize the club’s outlook moving forward.
Turning the Page
Cubs fans will always be grateful for Hendricks’ long career on the North Side. He’s forever etched in history for taking the mound in the decisive seventh game of the 2016 World Series.
As the last player remaining from the 2016 World Series run, it’s tough to watch Hendricks endure struggles on the mound. He was never known as a hard-throwing pitcher, and his bread and butter of deception isn’t nearly as effective as it once was.
"Be consistent and give my team a chance to win every time out, and right now, it's just so far from that."
Kyle Hendricks following his outing in San Diego. pic.twitter.com/DvEpSRqlZ8
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 11, 2024
For all that Hendricks has given to the organization, it’d be a painful way for it to end if the Cubs elect to cut bait midseason.
Moving on from Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, and Anthony Rizzo was difficult for fans, and probably for the front office as well. But what came from that transition was a new era of Cubs’ baseball.
If the team is truly ready to compete and to continue its next chapter, it may be time to say goodbye to a player who has given his all. Baseball is a business, after all, and winning should be prioritized over nostalgia.
