Kyle Hendricks, a staple of the Chicago Cubs’ rotation for nearly a decade, is reportedly close to finalizing a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels, according to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score. This move marks a significant career shift for Hendricks, who will be suiting up for a team other than the Cubs for the first time in his career. As Hendricks nears his 35th birthday, this could be the start of an exciting new chapter for the veteran right-hander.
A New Opportunity in Southern California
Hendricks’ move to the Angels comes as no surprise to many, especially given the team’s pitching needs. Los Angeles has been looking for stability in its starting rotation, and Hendricks could be an ideal fit. With a career marked by consistent ground ball rates and solid command, Hendricks brings leadership and experience that could prove invaluable to the Angels, especially as they look to develop their young pitchers.
What makes this deal even more intriguing is Hendricks’ ties to Southern California, where he grew up. Returning to his roots could provide a personal boost, as he looks to prove that his best days on the mound aren’t behind him.
Hendricks’ Recent Struggles and Potential Bounceback
Hendricks’ recent performance has been a mixed bag. After an injury-plagued 2022 campaign, where he dealt with a shoulder tear, Hendricks rebounded somewhat in 2023 with a 3.74 ERA across 24 starts. However, his 2024 season with the Cubs was less promising, with a 5.92 ERA that led to him being moved to the bullpen at times.
Despite this, Hendricks’ 4.98 FIP and 4.83 SIERA suggest he may have been unlucky, and his low strikeout rate of 16.5% does not tell the full story of his potential.
The Angels could benefit from Hendricks’ ability to induce weak contact and his command of the strike zone. Even though his strikeout numbers have declined in recent years, his ability to keep walks in check could still make him a valuable back-of-the-rotation option. With the Angels looking to compete in a highly competitive AL West, Hendricks can provide depth and leadership, especially for the younger pitchers on the roster.
What This Means for the Angels
The Angels have been aggressive in their pursuit of upgrades this offseason, and Hendricks could be a crucial addition. The team is in need of reliable arms to round out their rotation, and Hendricks fits the bill, even if he’s not the ace he once was. The potential addition of Hendricks provides an experienced arm that could help stabilize the rotation and mentor the team’s younger pitchers, something the Angels desperately need.
As a free agent, Hendricks has been one of the top names available for teams looking for reliable, if not flashy, pitching. The Angels, who have already made waves with other moves this offseason, appear poised to add another piece that could make a real difference in their playoff chase.
A Quick Deal After Cubs Departure
For Hendricks, the move marks the end of an era with the Cubs. After years of success, including helping the Cubs break their World Series curse in 2016, Hendricks was unable to maintain his earlier form. The Cubs opted not to bring him back, and now Hendricks is set to move on with a new team that could give him the chance to prove himself once again.
Fans of both the Cubs and Angels will be watching closely to see how Hendricks fares in his new role. Will he return to his old form, or will his struggles continue? Only time will tell, but for now, it’s clear that Kyle Hendricks is poised to make an impact with the Los Angeles Angels in 2024.
Kyle Hendricks is close to signing a deal with the Angels, per reports. pic.twitter.com/fBU4ocSEUI
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) November 6, 2024
How to Watch Kyle Hendricks’ Future Games
As Hendricks makes his debut with the Angels in 2024, fans can follow his journey through local broadcasts and streaming platforms like MLB TV. The Angels’ 2024 season promises to be an exciting one, with Hendricks potentially playing a key role in their success.
This Kyle Hendricks story has the potential to make waves across Google News and Google Discover, especially as more details of his deal with the Angels emerge. Stay tuned for updates as the veteran pitcher transitions into a new phase of his career.
