In a move that signals both a potential boost to their pitching staff and a calculated risk, the Los Angeles Angels have confirmed the signing of veteran right-handed pitcher Kyle Hendricks to a one-year, $2.5 million deal. The agreement, which adds depth to the Angels’ rotation, represents a significant opportunity for Hendricks to prove his value after dealing with injuries in recent seasons. For the Angels, it’s a calculated bet that Hendricks can regain his previous form and contribute meaningfully to a rotation that has been inconsistent in recent years.
A Veteran Presence
Kyle Hendricks, often known by his nickname “The Professor” for his cerebral approach to pitching, brings a wealth of experience to the Angels. Hendricks, who spent his entire career with the Chicago Cubs prior to this deal, is best known for his exceptional command and ability to control the game with his precise pitches. Although he doesn’t rely on overpowering velocity like some other aces, Hendricks has long been able to outsmart hitters with an array of off-speed pitches, particularly his signature changeup. His ability to pitch to both sides of the plate and keep batters off balance has made him a consistently effective starter when healthy.
The 33-year-old Hendricks made his MLB debut in 2014 and has been a staple in the Cubs’ rotation for much of the last decade. He’s a two-time All-Star (2016, 2019) and played a key role in the Cubs’ 2016 World Series championship, arguably the most memorable moment in the franchise’s history. Hendricks finished the regular season that year with a 2.13 ERA, solidifying his place as one of the top pitchers in the game.
However, recent seasons have been less kind to Hendricks. He has battled shoulder issues and, more notably, a series of injuries that limited him to just 15 starts in 2022. Despite these setbacks, his career ERA sits at a solid 3.47, and when healthy, he is more than capable of being a solid middle-of-the-rotation arm for a team like the Angels, who have struggled to find consistent pitching outside of ace Shohei Ohtani.
A High-Reward, Low-Risk Signing for the Angels
The Angels have long been in search of stability in their pitching staff, a key weakness that has consistently undermined their playoff chances despite having a lineup featuring superstars like Ohtani and Mike Trout. Hendricks’ one-year, $2.5 million deal is a relatively low-risk investment for a team that can ill afford to neglect its pitching staff. The contract structure also offers the potential for Hendricks to earn additional money through incentives based on performance, which could further benefit both parties if he exceeds expectations.
Given Hendricks’ track record when healthy, the Angels are likely hoping that he can rediscover the form that made him one of the more reliable starting pitchers in the National League for several years. A fully healthy Hendricks would bring a stabilizing influence to a rotation that has had its fair share of volatility. With a fastball that hovers around 87-89 mph and his signature changeup, Hendricks relies heavily on his pitch command and understanding of opposing hitters. His style could be a good fit for an Angels team looking for pitchers who can control the tempo and keep games close, even if they aren’t overpowering.
Additionally, the Angels have been cautious with some of their recent pitching acquisitions, as seen in their management of injury-prone starters in the past. With Hendricks coming off an injury-plagued period, the team may aim to monitor his workload closely, ensuring he remains healthy and available for a full season.
What Hendricks Brings to the Angels
If healthy, Hendricks offers more than just a reliable arm in the rotation. His veteran presence could be invaluable to a young pitching staff, offering mentorship and guidance. His ability to navigate high-pressure situations with composure would also be a welcome asset for a team that has frequently been on the cusp of postseason contention but has faltered late in the season.
Additionally, Hendricks’ changeup and pitching approach could give him an edge when facing teams in the American League West. His command and ability to avoid hard contact could help mitigate some of the high-powered offenses in the division, especially if the Angels can provide solid defensive support behind him.
The Los Angeles Angels’ signing of Kyle Hendricks to a one-year, $2.5 million deal is a move that has the potential to pay significant dividends if Hendricks can stay healthy and regain his past form. While the signing doesn’t carry the same level of risk as a longer-term deal, it offers the Angels a chance to bolster their pitching staff with a veteran presence capable of making a meaningful impact. For Hendricks, it’s an opportunity to re-establish himself as a key contributor in a major league rotation after a few years of injury troubles. If he can return to the level of consistency he showed with the Cubs, Hendricks could help stabilize a pitching staff in need of depth and reliability as the Angels aim to return to playoff contention in 2024.
