Kyle Hendricks Announces Retirement After 12-Year MLB Career

URGENT UPDATE: Chicago Cubs legend Kyle Hendricks has officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball after an impressive 12-year career. The announcement comes just days after Hendricks, aged 35, concluded a season with the Los Angeles Angels, where he finished with an 8-10 record and a 4.76 ERA.

Hendricks, affectionately known as “The Professor,” spent the majority of his career with the Cubs, where he secured an ERA title in 2016—the same year the team won the World Series, breaking a 108-year championship drought. Over his tenure with Chicago, he achieved 97 wins and maintained a stellar 3.68 ERA, showcasing his exceptional change-up and sinker that consistently kept hitters off-balance.

The right-hander made his MLB debut in 2014, quickly becoming a critical asset in the Cubs’ rotation. His standout performance in 2016 included a 16-8 record and a remarkable 2.13 ERA, the lowest in the league that season. Hendricks notably outperformed Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw in Game 6 of the NLCS, throwing 7 1/3 shutout innings to help the Cubs clinch their first pennant since 1945.

As his career came to a close, Hendricks received a heartfelt farewell at Wrigley Field during his final start for the Cubs. The crowd erupted with a curtain call after he pitched 7 1/3 shutout innings against the Cincinnati Reds, a fitting end to a storied career. “You could not have drawn that up any better,” said teammate Ian Happ. “He’s a perfect example of what it means to be a Chicago Cub.”

Hendricks, a graduate of Dartmouth College, is not pursuing coaching or a front office role at this time. Instead, he plans to take a well-deserved break to spend time with his family, reflecting on a legacy that has left an indelible mark on the franchise and its fans.

As fans and the baseball community come to terms with this significant loss, Hendricks’ contributions to the game and his character both on and off the field will not be forgotten. Stay tuned for further updates on his future plans and tributes from the sports world as they unfold.