Chicago Cubs Putting Extension Talks With Star on Hold

After it looked like the Chicago Cubs and their star pitcher would come to an extension, it seems like the organization will now put those talks on hold for the time being.

Once the offseason officially begins, the Chicago Cubs will find themselves as one of the busiest teams in the league.

Re-signing their star slugger Cody Bellinger will be their top priority. If another team is able to sign him away, then the Cubs will be in scramble mode to find replacements for his production.

Chicago could also be in the market for starting pitching and bullpen help, depending on which direction the front office wants go.

Earlier in the October, there was some speculation that the Cubs would give a contract extension to their star pitcher Kyle Hendricks.

The right hander has spent his entire career with Chicago and rebounded nicely this season after injuries hurt his production in 2022.

He has a club-option in his contract that the Cubs could pick up for $16 million.

It's very likely that they'll do that.

The organization loves Hendricks and Hendricks loves the organization.

But, the extension that was rumored actually might not be coming.

Jesse Rogers of ESPN went on a local Chicago radio show to discuss what the was hearing regarding the Cubs and the star pitcher.

"I’ve been told that is not happening. If anything, (the Cubs) will exercise the option. There’s a chance they could talk in March, you know, Spring Training. But I don’t think he’s going to sign an extension any time soon …. I don’t discount the chance of signing up another contract, but I just don’t think it’s imminent or around the corner. I don’t think they’ve had any discussions about a long-term deal. The first step will be the option," Rogers reported on the show.

It makes sense why the organization would put extension talks on hold.

They can already bring him back for 2023, why would they jump into a long-term commitment after only seeing one bounce back year from an aging starter?

An extension right now would make no sense.