Kyle Hendricks and the Los Angeles Angels Agree to $2.5 Million, 1-Year Contract
Kyle Hendricks, a seasoned Major League Baseball pitcher, has reportedly agreed to a one-year contract worth $2.5 million with the Los Angeles Angels, according to an anonymous source familiar with the deal. The move is an important one for both Hendricks and the Angels as they look to build competitive rosters for the upcoming MLB season. Hendricks’ experience, pitching prowess, and the opportunity for a fresh start could be beneficial for both the veteran hurler and the Angels’ pitching staff.
A New Beginning for Kyle Hendricks
Kyle Hendricks, often known for his calm demeanor and mastery of command over his pitches, has spent most of his career with the Chicago Cubs. During his time in Chicago, Hendricks established himself as one of the more reliable and consistent pitchers in the league. He was a key member of the Cubs’ 2016 World Series championship team, and his pitching style—relying heavily on location and movement rather than overpowering speed—has earned him the nickname “The Professor.”
Hendricks’ career has been marked by solid performance, with an earned run average (ERA) that regularly hovered around the league average or lower. His ability to keep hitters off balance with his changeup and control is his calling card. Over the years, Hendricks has maintained a respectable ERA of 3.46 and accumulated more than 100 wins over his career. Despite some struggles with injury in recent years, Hendricks has shown an ability to bounce back when healthy, making him a desirable asset for teams looking to strengthen their rotation.
However, 2022 and 2023 saw a decline in Hendricks’ performance and durability. A shoulder injury in 2022 limited his appearances, and when he returned, he struggled to regain his previous form. Hendricks posted a disappointing 4.80 ERA in 2022, and after a slow start in 2023, the Cubs eventually moved on from him. This decline, paired with ongoing injury concerns, made Hendricks available on the free-agent market this offseason. The Angels’ decision to sign him to a modest one-year deal is indicative of their belief that the 33-year-old still has the potential to be a key contributor in their rotation.
Why the Angels?
The Los Angeles Angels, a team with high expectations but limited success in recent years, are looking to stabilize their pitching staff for the 2024 season. The Angels have boasted an elite lineup featuring two-way star Shohei Ohtani and perennial All-Star Mike Trout, but their pitching staff has often been a point of contention. With Ohtani’s future uncertain—he is slated to hit free agency after 2024—the Angels are attempting to bolster their pitching options and provide stability, which may help them contend for a postseason spot in the increasingly competitive American League.
Hendricks, whose experience and ability to limit hard contact could be a perfect complement to the Angels’ pitching staff, will provide an additional veteran presence. While he may no longer be the dominant force he once was, his style of pitching fits well into an environment where control and mental toughness are prioritized. With an emphasis on limiting runs rather than overpowering hitters, Hendricks could thrive in the Angels’ pitching culture, especially in an American League West division known for its potent offenses.
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Move
Hendricks’ one-year, $2.5 million contract represents a relatively low-risk investment for the Angels. The deal allows the team to add a potential starter without significant financial commitment, giving them flexibility if the move does not work out. It’s also a potential bargain if Hendricks is able to return to form and provide valuable innings in the rotation. In recent seasons, the Angels have struggled to find reliable pitching behind ace Shohei Ohtani and the promising young talent in their system. Hendricks could offer stability, especially if he regains his vintage form.
Additionally, this contract could provide Hendricks with an opportunity to re-establish his value ahead of potentially hitting free agency again in 2025. By signing a short-term deal with the Angels, Hendricks has the chance to prove that he can still contribute at a high level, perhaps securing a more lucrative deal down the road. The move serves both as a fresh start and a proving ground for the veteran pitcher.
What’s Next for the Angels and Hendricks?
The signing of Kyle Hendricks marks another step in the Angels’ offseason efforts to solidify their roster ahead of the 2024 season. As the team continues to navigate the uncertainty surrounding Ohtani’s future, this move signals their intent to focus on pitching depth, a crucial component of any team hoping to contend. Meanwhile, Hendricks’ future with the team will depend on his ability to stay healthy and return to his trademark consistency.
For Hendricks, the 2024 season represents a critical juncture in his career. It’s an opportunity to prove that he can still be an effective starter at the MLB level. If he can stay healthy and find success with the Angels, Hendricks could once again become a key contributor to a playoff-bound rotation, further cementing his legacy as a reliable and intelligent pitcher in the big leagues.
