Chicago Cubs Fans Call For Release Of World Series Veteran

The Chicago Cubs World Series veteran might be at the end of his time with the club.

Apr 16, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks (28) throws in the first | Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs haven't had a terrible start to the season, sitting just a half game outside the division lead. However, there is one position group that could play a lot better than it has been.

The pitching staff currently ranks 20th in the league with a 4.39 ERA. It's not all on the pitchers, though, as the defense needs to be better as well, but there are certainly some that have struggled.

Kyle Hendricks is one of note as the last remaining World Series veteran on the team. The former league-leader in ERA has seemingly fallen off of a cliff.

In response to his ice cold start, some Cubs fans have begun to speculate that it might be time for the two parties to go their separate ways.

Famous Chicago sports fan and personality Dan Katz, also known as Big Cat from Barstool Sports, put out a post on X that suggested it might be time to move on from the 34-year-old.

I love Kyle Hendricks forever and always. One of my favorite Cubs ever. It’s time though. I’m sad. He’s a legend. But it’s time.

— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) April 17, 2024

Podcast host Jacob Zanolla also had a popular post calling for the club to do something in response to his poor start.

I'm sorry if this offends people, but this needs to be Kyle Hendricks' last start with the Chicago Cubs

I know it hurts. I miss prime Kyle too. But this isn't 2016 anymore. We are trying to win NOW. He is not the answer, every game he pitches is an automatic loss

— Jacob Zanolla (@jz2016cubs) April 17, 2024

Hendricks' most recent outing on Tuesday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks ended very similarly to the other ones he has had this season. He gave up seven earned runs on five hits in 4 1/3 innings of work. He struck out just three batters and walked three as well.

His ERA has now ballooned to12.71 on the year, which is very uncharacteristic. The worst ERA he has ever finished a season with is 4.80 in 2022.

Hendricks can't blame things on the defense either.

Looking at his FIP, it's almost twice as much as it has ever been before, even during his down years.

He has easily been the worst pitcher on the staff this season. He's never performed this way before, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him pick it up at least a little bit.

It might be time for the Cubs to try him out in the bullpen if they don't want to release him yet.

Four straight starts with five or more runs given up in five innings or less of work is just not going to cut it in the starting rotation for a team with playoff aspirations.