SAN ANTONIO — Right-handed pitcher Kyle Hendricks has struck a deal with the Los Angeles Angels, reportedly reaching a one-year contract worth $2.5 million, as confirmed by a source familiar with the situation on Wednesday.
The individual chose to remain unnamed since the agreement still requires passing a physical examination.
Hendricks has dedicated his entire Major League career to the Chicago Cubs, where he accumulated a record of 97 wins and 81 losses, paired with a commendable 3.68 ERA across 270 starts and six relief outings over 11 seasons. Notably, he remained the last active player from the Cubs’ 2016 World Series-winning team, marking their first championship title in 108 years.
In 2016, he earned All-Star honors, concluding the season with a 16-8 record and boasting a leading 2.13 ERA in the league. During the World Series, he pitched 4 1/3 shutout innings in Game 3, a narrow 1-0 loss to Cleveland, and followed up with 4 2/3 innings in Chicago’s thrilling 8-7 victory in Game 7, which went into extra innings.
As his 35th birthday approaches on December 7, Hendricks had a challenging year, finishing the season with a 4-12 record and a 6.27 ERA over 24 starts, alongside a more favorable 3.14 ERA in five relief appearances between late May and mid-June. This past season marked the end of a five-year, $70 million contract he signed previously.
In his final appearance for the Cubs on September 28 against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field, he delivered an impressive performance, allowing just two hits over 7 1/3 innings. The crowd honored him with an ovation as he exited, and he took a moment to acknowledge the fans.
Reflecting on the farewell, Hendricks said, “Just for the fans to give me that, from the moment I showed up at the ballpark today kind of celebrating me. Part of me hates it. I hate all the attention. But at the end I have to soak in all these moments.”
Hailing from California, Hendricks attended Capistrano Valley High School in Mission Viejo, approximately 25 miles from Angel Stadium, before continuing his education at Dartmouth College.