SAD NEWS: Kyle Hendricks Says Goodbye — As Cubs Mourn a Legend, Two Rising Stars Prepare to Carry His Torch
For nearly a decade, Kyle Hendricks was the heartbeat of the Chicago Cubs’ rotation — the calm in chaos, the professor on the mound, the man who made precision an art form.
Now, the Cubs are saying goodbye.
At this week’s GM Meetings, Cubs President Jed Hoyer confirmed what many had quietly suspected: Hendricks, 35, is retiring from baseball. His departure marks the end of an era defined by grace, intelligence, and unflappable control.
Hendricks’ legacy in Chicago runs deep. He wasn’t the loudest or the flashiest, but his impact was undeniable. A former Ivy Leaguer who defied radar guns and expectations, Hendricks became the soul of the 2016 World Series team — the pitcher who clinched the pennant, the man who outdueled Clayton Kershaw, and the one who carried the weight of Wrigley’s century-old dreams on his shoulders.
When Hoyer spoke of him, his voice carried the tone of both pride and melancholy.
“Kyle was everything this organization stands for — smart, humble, competitive, reliable,” Hoyer said. “He gave us his best every single time he took the ball. We’ll miss that presence.”
Hendricks walks away with a career ERA of 3.47, more than 100 wins, and a reputation as one of the most cerebral pitchers of his generation. But the numbers only tell part of the story. To teammates, he was a quiet leader — a mentor who taught by example, a stabilizing force in every storm.
And while his absence will be felt, the Cubs are already preparing for what comes next.
Two of the organization’s top prospects, Cade Horton and Ben Brown, are expected to compete for rotation spots in 2026. Both right-handers possess the kind of raw talent that could define the franchise’s next decade — Horton with his electric fastball and Brown with his bulldog mentality and improving command.
“They’ve got the stuff,” said manager Craig Counsell. “Now it’s about maturity, learning how to pitch, not just throw. That’s what Kyle mastered — and that’s what we hope they’ll learn from his legacy.”
Indeed, Hendricks’ influence may linger long after his final pitch. Sources inside the organization say he has already spent time mentoring younger pitchers during spring sessions, offering tips on preparation, game-planning, and emotional composure.
“He taught me that pitching isn’t just about velocity — it’s about control, patience, and intelligence,” Brown said earlier this year. “You don’t replace someone like that. You honor them by keeping that standard alive.”
For Cubs fans, Hendricks’ retirement hits differently. He wasn’t just a player; he was a reminder of the magical years when everything finally came together — when the ivy was green, the stands were full, and “Go Cubs Go” echoed through Wrigleyville after every win.
As Hendricks steps away, the franchise he helped lift back to glory now looks to the future — with gratitude, with hope, and with two young arms ready to pick up where “The Professor” left off.
Because if there’s one thing Kyle Hendricks taught Chicago, it’s this:
Baseball isn’t about throwing the hardest.
It’s about believing the longest.
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