Kyle Hendricks is a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, and he has been a key part of their rotation since making his Major League debut in 2014.
Over the years, Hendricks has established himself as a reliable and effective starter, using his precision pitching and ability to mix speeds to keep batters off balance. In 2020, the Cubs signed Hendricks to a new contract that will keep him with the team through the 2023 season.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Hendricks’ current contract situation, including the details of his contract, his earnings by season, and his potential future with the Cubs.
We will also analyze whether the Cubs are getting good value for their investment in Hendricks and what the future may hold for the talented pitcher.
Kyle Hendricks’ Contract Details
Kyle Hendricks signed a 4-year contract with the Chicago Cubs in 2020, which means that the contract will run through the end of the 2023 season.
The total value of the contract is $55.5 million, which breaks down to an average annual salary of $13.875 million.
What’s interesting about Hendricks’ contract is that all $55.5 million is guaranteed money. This means that Hendricks is guaranteed to earn that full amount over the four years of the contract, regardless of his performance on the field.
This is a somewhat unusual contract structure for an MLB player, as many contracts have some degree of performance-based incentives or bonuses.
It’s worth noting that Hendricks’ contract is relatively modest compared to some of the other contracts given to top starting pitchers in recent years. However, Hendricks has been a consistent performer for the Cubs and has been worth the investment so far.
The Cubs will be hoping that he continues to deliver quality starts and help lead the team to success in the years to come.
Breakdown of Hendricks’ Earnings by Season
Kyle Hendricks’ contract with the Chicago Cubs includes an annual average salary of $13.875 million. However, his actual earnings vary slightly from year to year. Here is a breakdown of his earnings by season:
2020: $12 Million
Hendricks’ earnings in the first year of his contract were slightly below his average annual salary. This was likely due to the shortened season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021: $14 Million
In 2021, Hendricks earned a base salary of $14 million, which is the same as his total salary for the year.
2022: $14 Million
Hendricks is set to earn another $14 million in 2022, which will be the third year of his contract.
2023: $14 Million
Finally, in the last year of his contract, Hendricks is again scheduled to earn a base salary of $14 million, with a total salary of $14 million.
Overall, Hendricks’ contract with the Cubs represents a significant investment by the team in his abilities as a starting pitcher.
However, his consistent performance on the mound has shown that he is worth the investment, and the Cubs will be hoping that he continues to perform at a high level throughout the remainder of his contract.
Analysis of Hendricks’ Contract Situation
Other Mlb Pitchers’ Contracts
Kyle Hendricks’ contract with the Cubs is somewhat modest compared to some of the other contracts given to top starting pitchers in recent years.
For example, Gerrit Cole signed a 9-year, $324 million contract with the New York Yankees in 2019, while Stephen Strasburg signed a 7-year, $245 million contract with the Washington Nationals the same year.
However, Hendricks has proven to be a consistent and reliable starter for the Cubs, and his contract represents a significant investment in his abilities.
Evaluation of Whether the Cubs Are Getting Good Value for Their Investment in Hendricks
So far, the Cubs have gotten good value for their investment in Hendricks. Since making his MLB debut in 2014, Hendricks has established himself as a key part of the Cubs’ rotation, and he has consistently delivered quality starts.
In 2021, Hendricks has continued to perform at a high level, with a 2.77 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 26 innings pitched. If he continues to perform well throughout the remainder of his contract, the Cubs will have received good value for their investment.
Whether Hendricks is Likely to Remain With the Cubs Beyond His Current Contract
It’s difficult to say whether Hendricks will remain with the Cubs beyond his current contract. Hendricks has expressed a desire to remain with the Cubs, and the team has shown a willingness to invest in him as a key part of their rotation.
However, the Cubs are currently in a period of transition, and it’s unclear what their long-term plans are for the team. If the Cubs decide to rebuild or undergo significant changes to their roster, it’s possible that Hendricks could be traded or allowed to leave as a free agent.
However, if the Cubs remain committed to winning and continue to see Hendricks as a key part of their success, it’s possible that they could work out a new contract to keep him with the team beyond his current deal.
Potential Future Scenarios for Hendricks’ Contract
Possibility of the Cubs Trading Hendricks
While it’s always possible that any player could be traded, the likelihood of the Cubs trading Hendricks is relatively low. Hendricks has been a consistent and reliable starter for the Cubs, and he has expressed a desire to remain with the team.
Additionally, his contract is relatively affordable compared to some of the other contracts given to top starting pitchers in recent years.
However, if the Cubs decide to rebuild or undergo significant changes to their roster, they could potentially look to trade Hendricks to acquire younger players or prospects.
Likelihood of the Cubs Extending Hendricks’ Contract
It’s unclear whether the Cubs will look to extend Hendricks’ contract beyond his current deal.
The team is currently in a period of transition, and it’s unclear what their long-term plans are for the team. If the Cubs remain committed to winning and see Hendricks as a key part of their success, they could potentially work out a new contract to keep him with the team beyond his current deal.
However, if the Cubs decide to rebuild or focus on developing younger players, they could potentially allow Hendricks to leave as a free agent.
Impact of Hendricks’ Performance in the 2023 Season on His Future Contract Negotiations
Hendricks’ performance in the 2023 season could have a significant impact on his future contract negotiations. If he continues to perform at a high level, the Cubs may be more likely to offer him a new contract or extension.
However, if his performance declines or he experiences injuries or other setbacks, the Cubs may be less likely to invest in him long-term. Additionally, Hendricks’ performance in 2023 could impact his value on the open market if he becomes a free agent after his current contract expires.
Breaks Down the Financial Details of Kyle Hendricks’ Contract With the Chicago Cubs
Year | Base Salary | Total Earnings |
---|---|---|
2020 | $12,000,000 | $12,000,000 |
2021 | $14,000,000 | $14,000,000 |
2022 | $14,000,000 | $14,000,000 |
2023 | $14,000,000 | $14,000,000 |
Total | $54,000,000 | $54,000,000 |
This table shows the breakdown of Hendricks’ earnings over the course of his four-year contract, including his base salary and total earnings for each year. It also includes the total value of his contract, which is $54 million.
FAQs
What other factors could impact Hendricks’ future with the Cubs beyond his performance in the 2023 season?
Answer: There are a few other factors that could impact Hendricks’ future with the Cubs, including the team’s financial situation and their overall direction as a franchise. If the Cubs undergo a significant rebuild or decide to cut payroll, they may be less inclined to invest in Hendricks long-term.
How does Hendricks’ contract compare to other starting pitchers in the league?
Answer: Hendricks’ contract is relatively affordable compared to some of the other contracts given to top starting pitchers in recent years. For example, Gerrit Cole signed a nine-year, $324 million deal with the New York Yankees in 2019, while Stephen Strasburg signed a seven-year, $245 million contract with the Washington Nationals in the same year.
Could the Cubs try to renegotiate Hendricks’ contract if his performance declines?
Answer: It’s possible that the Cubs could try to renegotiate Hendricks’ contract if his performance declines significantly, but this would depend on the specific language of his contract and the team’s overall strategy. It’s also worth noting that Hendricks has been a consistent performer for the Cubs, so it would likely take a significant downturn in his performance for the team to consider renegotiating his deal.
What role does Hendricks play on the Cubs’ roster?
Answer: Hendricks is a starting pitcher and is considered one of the top pitchers on the Cubs’ roster. He has been a consistent performer for the team, with a career ERA of 3.64 and a record of 72-51. He is known for his precision and command on the mound, and he has been a key part of the Cubs’ success in recent years.
Conclusion
Kyle Hendricks’ contract situation with the Chicago Cubs is an interesting one. While his contract is relatively modest compared to some of the other contracts given to top starting pitchers in recent years, he has proven to be a consistent and reliable starter for the Cubs.
So far, the Cubs have gotten good value for their investment in Hendricks, but it’s unclear whether they will look to extend his contract beyond his current deal.
Hendricks’ performance in the 2023 season could have a significant impact on his future contract negotiations, and it’s possible that he could be traded or allowed to leave as a free agent depending on the Cubs’ long-term plans for the team.
Overall, Hendricks remains a key part of the Cubs’ rotation, and it will be interesting to see how his contract situation plays out in the coming years.