Cubs Veteran Starter Says He's Fully Healthy and 'Ready To Go'
Despite the overall lackluster offseason the Chicago Cubs have had so far, there is plenty of reason to be excited about the upcoming year.
After doing a great job of rebuilding their farm system, many of their top prospects seem ready to become contributors at some point in 2024.
Getting to see which of these young stars could take the next step in their careers will be a main storyline throughout the year, and if the Cubs can become contenders for a playoff spot, that just adds to what they've been able to build.
Of course, the offseason isn't over and more moves could be coming, but the front office hinted they aren't rushing to add additional players.
A major positive Chicago has entering Spring Training is that their starting rotation seems to be healthy for the start of this period for the first time in a while.
Kyle Hendricks is happy to be back with the franchise and is looking to build upon his bounce back season he had in 2023.
"... Standing here now this time, being fully healthy, ready to go, having a normal spring ahead of me, it's way better," he said according to Marshall Harris of CBS 2 News.
The 34-year-old has spent his entire Major League career with the Cubs and is currently their longest-tenured member of the club.
He was part of their 2016 World Series winning team, but has been ravished by injuries the couple years that caused a dip in his performance.
However, last season he looked like the vintage version of himself, posting an ERA of 3.74 across 24 starts with an ERA+ of 120 over 137 innings pitched.
Having him healthy at the start of 2024 will be a major advantage for this rotation that is hoping Justin Steele can continue his growth, Shota Imanaga turns into an ace, and Jameson Taillon can put together his own bounce back season.
