Chicago Cubs Veteran Ace Reveals Secret to Recent Success

Chicago Cubs veteran starter Kyle Hendricks is seeing a bit of a renaissance of his career right now.

After not pitching for nearly an entire year, Hendricks has returned to the Cubs rotation and has looked pretty good. Especially in his last two starts.

Of course, there was rust to be expected, especially in the beginning.

But over those last two starts, Hendricks holds a 1.38 ERA and has won both contests.

The difference between his first three starts and his last two?

He reportedly informed the Cubs that "he’s going to pitch his own style, calling his own pitches, and not change his ways just to fit into an algorithm," according to USA Today.

It's clearly worked.

This is obviously great for Chicago in numerous ways.

If Hendricks continues to perform this way, then he makes for another reliable starter in the rotation. It makes that $16 million club option for 2024 a harder decision to make.

But it also increases his tradability.

So many teams are hurting for starting pitching. A productive Hendricks not only helps a team this season, but if he continues to produce and can force a team to pick up his option, he now can help in two playoff runs.

That would bring a massive haul for the Cubs in the trade market.

Either way you look at it, Hendricks calling his own pitches and performing well only bodes well for Chicago.

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