⚡ Kyle Hendricks, Key Player in Cubs’ 2016 World Series Triumph, Announces His Retirement After an unforgettable career and leading the Cubs to their first World Series title in over a century, Kyle Hendricks officially calls it a career. Fans will forever remember his calm composure on the mound and pivotal moments that helped secure Chicago’s glory.

Kyle Hendricks, who helped Chicago Cubs win 2016 World Series, is retiring
FILE – Chicago Cubs fans cheer Chicago Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks as he leaves during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in Chicago, June 19, 2024.

Nam Y. Huh/AP

CHICAGO (AP) — Kyle Hendricks, the right-hander who helped the Chicago Cubs win the 2016 World Series and end a 108-year championship drought, is retiring, the team announced on Monday.

 

The 35-year-old went 105-91 with a 3.79 ERA over 11 seasons with the Cubs and one with the Los Angeles Angels. He was an All-Star in 2016, going 16-8 with a major league-best 2.13 ERA. He pitched 4 1/3 shutout innings as the Cubs lost World Series Game 3 to Cleveland 1-0 and 4 2/3 innings in Chicago’s 8-7, 10-inning win in Game 7.

Article continues below this ad

“He was one of the best all-time Cubs pitchers,” Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts said in a statement. “We would not have won the World Series without his incredible 2016 season where he won the major league ERA title and started Game 7 of the World Series. The Professor was always calm, cool and collected on the mound but his great performances excited millions of Cubs fans. From his outstanding playoff starts in 2016 to his memorable final appearance at Wrigley Field in 2024, he gave our fans sweet emotions.”

Hendricks attended Dartmouth and was nicknamed “The Professor” because of his college background and reliance on hitting spots with a changeup and sinker in an era dominated by hard throwers.

The Cubs acquired Hendricks from Texas for Ryan Dempster at the 2012 trade deadline. He made his major league debut two years later and went 97-81 with a 3.68 ERA in 270 starts and six relief appearances for Chicago with 2014-24.

Article continues below this ad

He signed a $2.5 million, one-year deal with the Angels last November and was 8-10 with a 4.76 ERA in 31 starts, including a loss to the Cubs at home in August. ___

Article continues below this ad

|Updated

Related Posts

🚨 BOMBSHELL: Cowboys beat writer says Dallas could cut ties with a current starter to save nearly $7 million — and the financial calculus may outweigh loyalty faster than fans expect. What once looked like a stable piece of the lineup is now being weighed against cap flexibility and long-term vision. If this projection becomes reality, the locker room ripple effect could be immediate.. 👇👇👇

Cowboys Could Part Ways With Malik Hooker as Cap Pressure Mounts and Defensive Identity Hangs in the Balance The Dallas Cowboys are entering another offseason defined not…

Logan Webb Sends Clear Message About Giants Playoff Hopes

IMAGE: San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb (62) walks to the dugout against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Oracle Park. / Eakin Howard…

Cubs Manager Confirms Bold New Role for Seiya Suzuki in 2026

IMAGE: Imagn Images Just over a year ago, at the 2025 Cubs Convention, Craig Counsell made it clear: Seiya Suzuki was going to be the team’s primary…

Brewers Linked With Astros Slugger in Bold Offseason Trade Talks

IMAGE: Houston Astros designated hitter Isaac Paredes (15) reacts after striking out during the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Daikin Park. / Troy Taormina /…

St Louis Cardinals Reserve Number for JJ Wetherholt Without Final Roster Decision

IMAGE: Imagn Images As spring training gets underway in Jupiter, one of the biggest questions surrounding the St. Louis Cardinals isn’t about the veterans or the rotation-it’s…

Rangers Manager Sets Bold 2026 Role for Brandon Nimmo

IMAGE: Imagn Images With full-squad workouts underway in Surprise, Arizona, the Texas Rangers are wasting no time defining roles-and one of their newest faces already has a…