Cubs Ownership Wants Star Pitcher Back in 2024

The Chicago Cubs are starting to work through what they want their roster to be heading into the 2024 season.

A lot of attention will be directed towards their ability to re-sign their star slugger Cody Bellinger, but there are still other areas of this club that need to be addressed.

One is the starting pitching rotation.

Justin Steele emerged as the ace of this unit and will likely have that designation going forward.

But, how will things fall into place behind him?

The Cubs have an option to pick up veteran pitcher Kyle Hendricks' contract during the offseason and ownership has made it clear that they would like him to return.

"It’ll be Jed’s decision on what to do with Kyle’s contract. But at this point, I would see him coming back," chairman Tom Ricketts told Patrick Mooney of The Athletic.

Ricketts has largely stayed out of the baseball decisions and has let his front office do the work when it comes to who is on the roster.

Hendricks had a bounce back year in 2023, posting a 6-8 record with a 3.74 ERA.

That was lower than his 2021 ERA of 4.77 and 2022 ERA of 4.80.

Prior to those poor seasons, the 33-year-old had never recorded an ERA above 4.00.

"He’s been one of my favorite Cubs players to be around since we got here. It’s hard to imagine a better teammate. Someone who redefines ‘low maintenance.’ He does whatever the team needs. It’s just a joy to have him around. Certainly, we want to keep him as a Cub for next year and beyond," President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer said.

That likely signals Chicago will pick up the $16 million club option they have and will retain their veteran starter.