Chicago Cubs Expected to Bring Back Veteran Pitcher

The Chicago Cubs are working through their offseason plans regarding which players they want to re-sign and pursue during free agency. It's expected that they'll bring back one of their veteran starting pitchers.

The Chicago Cubs have a busy offseason ahead of them as they plan to build a playoff contending roster.

It looked like they had accomplished that goal this year when the team was sitting in the Wild Card position during the second half of the season.

Ultimately, the Cubs' collapse highlighted that there are still some holes on the roster that need to be addressed.

Cody Bellinger is the headliner that is getting the attention based on how productive of a bat he was in the lineup.

But, there's another player that the front office seems to be making a priority as well.

Chicago has a club option for their veteran pitcher Kyle Hendricks and can pick up his contract for $16 million.

Right now, it seems like the front office is expecting to bring him back.

"Obviously, I'm not going to negotiate anything with you guys right now, but certainly we want to keep them in as a Cub for next year and beyond," Jed Hoyer said.

Hendricks struggled in 2021 and 2022, recording an ERA of 4.77 and 4.80 respectively. Those were the first seasons of his 10 year career where he had an ERA above a 4.00.

He returned to form in 2023, posting an ERA of 3.74 across 137 innings pitched.

Hoyer knows that Hendricks is an important part of the rotation that will feature young players moving forward.

"He's been one of my favorite Cubs players to be around since we got here. It's hard to imagine a better teammate. He redefines low-maintenance. He just does whatever the team needs and it's just a joy to have him around," the President of Baseball Operations said.

Expect the 33-year-old who's spent his entire career with the Cubs to be back in 2024.