Cubs sign Kyle Hendricks to 4-year extension

The Professor now has tenure.

The Cubs today agreed to a four-year, $55.5 million deal with right-handed pitcher Kyle Hendricks. The deal also has a vesting option for a fifth season. The deal will keep the 29-year-old right-hander in Cubs pinstripes through at least the 2023 season.

Ken Rosenthal, as per usual, has the details.

The $7.405 million is what Hendricks was already set to earn this season anyway.

Hendricks has been one of the most consistent starters in the majors since his debut with the Cubs back in 2014. Famously acquired from the Rangers’ minor league system in 2012 for Ryan Dempster (after Dempster blocked a deal to Atlanta), the former 8th-round pick out of Dartmouth has posted a record of 52-33 with a 3.07 ERA over 132 starts in five seasons with the Cubs. While his below-average fastball velocity has always meant that he’s been underrated, Hendricks succeeds with location and one of the best changeups in the game.

Hendricks finished third in National League Cy Young Award balloting in 2016 after he posted a 16-8 record with a league-leading ERA of 2.13. He also started game 7 of the World Series that year, which you no doubt remember.

Hendricks has been a fan favorite around here and elsewhere in the Cubs family. This move will no doubt bring a smile to the faces of many fans. It might even cause Kyle to break into a smile.

Additional: Jordan Bastian clarifies that the Hendricks’ option for 2024 is a team option with a vesting clause.