Should Cubs Even Entertain Idea of Extending Hendricks?

The Chicago Cubs are reportedly looking to extend starter Kyle Hendricks ahead of his option date which comes after the conclusion of the World Series.

Those talks were reported by Bruce Levine on Saturday and it got the wheels turning. 

Hendricks is coming off of a significant shoulder injury that kept him out of action for the better part of the 2022 MLB season. He came back to make 24 starts and produce a 3.74 ERA with a 1.204 WHIP in 137.0 innings pitched.

The righty was productive, if not lucky, but he also turns 34 years old ahead of the 2024 MLB season.

The club has all but said they will be picking up his $16.5 million option for next season, so he is coming back. 

But an extension?

Chicago has plenty of acquisitions they need to make to round out their roster this winter. Addressing first base, third base, and the of course the bullpen, will all be a necessity. 

If the Cubs do see starters Hendricks and Marcus Stroman return, their budget will be pushed to the first threshold of the luxury tax.

By extending Hendricks to a two or even three-year deal, Chicago could save some money annually. Perhaps a three-year, $30 million deal could get it done. That would ensure that Hendricks has insurance as he gets older, but it allows the Cubs financial flexibility in free agency.

Plus, even if Hendricks declines and can't produce in the rotation as a starter come 2025 or 2026, a $10 million relief pitcher isn't hard to swallow. 

Also, Hendricks is the last remaining member of the 2016 World Series squad still on the roster. Ensuring he retires a Cub and doing right by him while cementing your pitching staff in the process would be a pretty shrewd move. 

A Hendricks extension is likely the best path forward for both sides.