Key Highlights
- Kyle Hendricks will retire after a 12-season major-league career.
- Hendricks spent 11 seasons with the Cubs, playing all but one year of his career there.
- He was a consistent force in the Cubs rotation, known for his finesse and even temper.
- Hendricks will be remembered for his masterful performance against the Reds in 2025.
Kyle Hendricks: A Legacy of Consistency
Former Chicago Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks announced on November 10, 2025, that he will retire after a 12-season major-league career. Hendricks, who signed with the Rangers in the eighth round of the 2011 MLB Draft out of Dartmouth and later joined the Angels, spent most of his time with the Cubs.
“I hate all that attention, but in the end, I know I have to soak in these moments,” Hendricks said after holding Cincinnati to two hits through 7⅓ scoreless innings against the Reds. “And that’s what the Wrigley Field faithful are there for. They’re so special.” This statement encapsulates his connection with the Cubs and their fans.
Building a Legacy
During his time in Chicago, Hendricks established himself as a reliable presence in the Cubs rotation. Nicknamed “The Professor,” he was known for his finesse and an even temper in big moments when the industry trended toward velocity. His career accomplishments include a 2016 World Series championship and the 2016 ERA title.
In Game 6 of the 2016 NL Championship Series, Hendricks blanked the Dodgers for 7⅓ innings, a defining moment that stands out in his impressive career. “His performance in this game will be remembered as a defining moment,” said Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy.
A Versatile Career
Hendricks extended his career past a lengthy shoulder injury and even agreed to pitch out of the bullpen for part of the 2024 season, his last with the Cubs. In 2025, he signed with the Angels but struggled, posting a 4.76 ERA.
Despite the struggles in his final season, Hendricks left Wrigley Field with a standing ovation from the faithful. “He’s on my Mount Rushmore of Cubs pitchers,” Hottovy added. “To me… as a human being and the time we spent together and the ups, the downs, the good and the bad, those are the things that you remember more than anything. Just grateful for my opportunity to get to be around him.”
The Impact of a Cubs Legend
As Hendricks hangs up his cleats, he leaves behind a legacy of consistency and excellence. His career with the Cubs spanned 11 seasons, and his final game at Wrigley Field was a masterful showing against the Reds. This retirement marks the end of an era for the Cubs and their fans, who will remember Hendricks as a player who thrived on finesse and even temper in crucial moments.
