The Chicago Cubs were officially eliminated from playoff contention on Saturday evening, sealing their fate with a 5-1 loss to the Washington Nationals. Shortly after, the New York Mets’ victory over the Philadelphia Phillies confirmed that the Cubs would not secure a wild card spot this season.
Kyle Hendricks took the mound for the Cubs on Saturday, pitching into the sixth inning. As he walked off the field and handed the ball to manager Craig Counsell, the Wrigley Field crowd rose in applause. This warm send-off wasn’t solely for his performance—Hendricks allowed four runs in 5 1/3 innings—but for what he has meant to the organization since his debut in 2014.
Hendricks is set to make one final start for the Cubs this season during their last series at Wrigley Field, but for many fans, Saturday marked a bittersweet goodbye. With his four-year, $55 million extension expiring this winter and his 35th birthday approaching in December, the question of his future looms large. While he’s still capable of pitching, injuries and inconsistent performance have raised concerns about his role in the Cubs’ plans moving forward.
Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy acknowledged the need for improvement in the rotation next season. “It’s nice knowing you have a foundation set,” he told reporters. “We’re looking for ways to improve, whether it’s internal guys stepping up. This offseason will be crucial for many of our young pitchers.”
Looking ahead to 2025, the Cubs appear poised to rely on a rotation led by Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, and Jameson Taillon. A group including Javier Assad, Ben Brown, Jordan Wicks, and potentially top prospect Cade Horton will also vie for starting spots. Given this lineup, it’s unclear where Hendricks fits, particularly as the last remnant of the 2016 World Series-winning team.
Despite the uncertainty, Hendricks remains enthusiastic about his future. “I’m excited to take a step back, refocus, and evaluate where I’m at,” he said after Saturday’s game. “I’ll attack this offseason with motivation.”
However, remaining with the Cubs could be challenging for Hendricks. His current $16.5 million salary comes from a club option, but he will be an unrestricted free agent this winter. With the Cubs projected to have around $88 million in tax space for 2025, they have the flexibility to pursue high-profile acquisitions, which could further complicate Hendricks’ chances of staying.
The Cubs have made significant investments in recent seasons, signing players like Seiya Suzuki, Dansby Swanson, and Shota Imanaga. To truly elevate their competitiveness, they may need to target an offensive star, potentially even someone like Juan Soto.
So, what does this mean for Hendricks? Likely, he will be looking to sign with a new team. After joining the Cubs organization as a minor leaguer in 2012, Hendricks quickly established himself, posting a stellar 2.46 ERA in 13 rookie starts in 2014. Though injuries and performance issues have plagued him in recent years, he remains a respected figure within the organization.
“Top-notch. He’s a pro through and through,” teammate Patrick Wisdom remarked. “No matter the game he had, he comes in and does his routine. He’s dedicated to his craft.”
Despite his contributions, the Cubs may choose not to retain Hendricks for the upcoming season. With a solid 3.92 ERA in September, he is likely to attract interest from multiple teams in the offseason. Whether Hendricks wishes to remain with the Cubs or not, it seems increasingly probable that he will don a new uniform in 2025.
As the Cubs look to retool and push for contention, they will have to make tough decisions regarding veterans like Hendricks. The next chapter for “The Professor” is uncertain, but his legacy in Chicago will undoubtedly endure.
