Hendricks returning for 11th season after Cubs exercise $16.5M option
Chicago Cubs veteran right-hander Kyle Hendricks will return to pitch another season in the Windy City after the team exercised its $16.5-million option Sunday, the Cubs announced.
Hendricks has been a mainstay in Chicago's rotation since he debuted in 2014 following a trade with the Texas Rangers.
The 33-year-old has won 93 games and posted a 3.48 ERA during his 10 seasons with the Cubs. He garnered National League Cy Young consideration in 2016 and 2020.
Hendricks tossed 137 innings for the North Siders last season after returning from shoulder surgery that cost him the first two months of the campaign on top of time in 2022.
The California native is expected to fill one of the Cubs' rotation spots along with Justin Steele and Jameson Taillon. Javier Assad, Jordan Wicks, and Hayden Wesneski are also options.
Marcus Stroman, who made 25 starts for Chicago last season, reportedly opted out of the final year of his contract Saturday.
The Cubs also exercised a $6-million option on catcher Yan Gomes.