Cubs $55 million veteran left ‘fighting for his job’ after disappointing season

 

The Chicago Cubs appear destined to miss the postseason for the fourth consecutive year as they sit five games shy of a National League Wild Card place.

That run demonstrates how far the squad has declined from its peak performance in the 2016 World Series. According to Zachary Rotman of FanSided, the last player from that squad is currently a Cubs player who is “fighting for their jobs” in the last month of the season.

According to Rotman, “If this is Kyle Hendricks’ last gig in Chicago, boy, did he go out on a sour note.” “With the 34-year-old set to enter free agency at the end of the season, his fate should already be set, but could a strong finish help him land a deal somewhere?”

Hendricks has pitched for the Cubs for his entire big-league career, which began in 2014. He signed a four-year, $55.5 million deal to return to the team in 2020 and the final year of that contract has been the worst of his career by many measures.

This season, the 34-year-old has made 21 starts and given up runs at a 6.51 ERA. Furthermore, persevering through a few stronger starts in this last month could go a long way toward securing himself a new contract, presuming he wants to take the mound again the following season.

“Even if it’s not with the only MLB team he has ever known, there might be a rotation spot available for him somewhere if he continues to pitch well in his final couple of starts to close out the season,” Rotman continued.

Many organizations could be ready to wager that the veteran will make a comeback or contribute some quality innings in a different capacity the following season. Hendricks had a strong 3.74 ERA in 24 starts the previous season. a leader in the clubhouse with championship level experience.