Kyle Hendricks’ first season away from Chicago has been a challenging journey. The Los Angeles Angels took a flier on the longtime Chicago Cubs ace, hoping his pitch-to-contact precision could steady an injury-thinned rotation. Instead, inconsistency has been the theme. After spending his entire 11-year MLB career with the Cubs, the 34-year-old right-hander signed a one-year, $2.5 million deal with Los Angeles following the 2024 season.
The former Cubs ace has struggled to find his rhythm in Southern California. Through his first months in Los Angeles, Hendricks’ numbers have hovered in that gray area between “serviceable” and “replaceable.” The ERA has lingered in the mid-4s, the WHIP a little higher than his comfort zone. His signature changeup, once a weapon that baffled hitters throughout the National League, hasn’t been the dominant pitch that made him a cornerstone of Chicago’s 2016 World Series championship team.
Angels May Cut Ties With Struggling Veteran
Recent reports suggest Hendricks’ tenure with the Angels could be coming to an early end. Bleacher Report now lists Hendricks among the veteran players most likely to be cut loose before season’s end. This development opens the door for a potential reunion that would capture the hearts of Cubs fans everywhere.
The performance decline isn’t entirely unexpected for a pitcher entering his mid-thirties. Hendricks has mixed the occasional vintage outing – soft contact, quick innings, weak fly balls – with nights where hitters seem to know exactly what’s coming. While he’s avoided major disasters and kept his home run rate in check, the Angels are evaluating whether his veteran presence justifies a roster spot on a team struggling in the AL West.
Cubs’ Rotation Needs Create Perfect Storm
Chicago’s pitching situation has been far from ideal this season. The 2025 Cubs’ rotation has been a patchwork since Opening Day. Injuries have sidelined key starters, and trade deadline reinforcements never materialized. The front office’s conservative approach at the deadline has left fans frustrated, particularly with Milwaukee pulling away in the division race.
For the Cubs, claiming Kyle Hendricks off waivers would address multiple needs simultaneously. He represents more than just innings – he’s a living piece of franchise history. Hendricks isn’t just another pitcher who once wore Cubbie blue. He’s one of the last links to the 2016 World Series roster still active in the league.
The Professor’s Cubs Legacy
During his decade in Chicago, Hendricks established himself as one of the most consistent pitchers in franchise history. In 10 seasons with the Cubs, Hendricks went 97-81 with a 3.68 ERA. His accomplishments include:
- 2016 National League ERA champion
- Key contributor to Cubs’ first World Series title in 108 years
- 100 career wins milestone reached in 2025
- Earned the “Professor” nickname for his methodical approach
The potential reunion represents more than nostalgia. Hendricks wouldn’t arrive as a savior, but as a stabilizer – a pitcher who could take the ball every fifth day and give five or six competitive innings without torching the bullpen.
Financial and Strategic Considerations
From a business perspective, the move makes sense on multiple levels. A waiver claim would require minimal financial investment, as the Angels would absorb most of Hendricks’ remaining salary. The Cubs would gain a veteran presence with championship experience while addressing their rotation depth concerns.
That decision has frustrated fans who see the team close enough to contend but short enough on reliable arms to make a September push risky. Bringing back a familiar face could help restore confidence in a fanbase that has questioned the front office’s commitment to winning.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect for such a reunion. Chicago needs pitching depth, Hendricks likely needs a change of scenery, and fans are craving moves that show organizational ambition. While there’s no guarantee the Angels will release him, the speculation alone has Cubs supporters dreaming of seeing No. 28 back in Cubbie blue.
Looking Ahead
Whether this reunion materializes depends on several factors. The Angels must first decide Hendricks’ fate, and if he becomes available, the Cubs would need to prioritize him over other potential waiver claims. However, the narrative appeal combined with genuine roster need creates compelling circumstances.
As August winds down and September approaches, Kyle Hendricks could find himself at another crossroads in his career. For Cubs fans who remember his October magic in 2016, the possibility of his return represents hope that the organization still values both winning and the emotional connection between players and supporters.
What are your thoughts on a potential Kyle Hendricks return to Chicago? Share your predictions for how this situation might unfold as we head into the final stretch of the season.