Kyle Hendricks

Kyle Hendricks Biography

Kyle Christian Hendricks is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Angels. Known for his exceptional command and pitch sequencing, Hendricks earned the nickname “The Professor” during his career, a moniker that reflected both his Ivy League education at Dartmouth College and his cerebral approach to pitching. He made his MLB debut in 2014 with the Chicago Cubs and went on to become one of the most consistent starters in the National League, leading MLB in earned run average (ERA) in 2016 and winning the World Series with the Cubs that same year.

Early Life and Background

Kyle Christian Hendricks was born on December 7, 1989, in San Juan Capistrano, California. His father, John Hendricks, worked as a golf professional, while his mother, Ann Marie Hendricks, served as a medical management consultant. Growing up in the Southern California baseball scene, Hendricks developed his love for the game at a young age while attending Capistrano Valley High School in Mission Viejo, California. His upbringing in a supportive family environment helped shape his disciplined approach to both athletics and academics.

Hendricks excelled academically alongside his athletic pursuits throughout his youth. His dedication to his studies would later pay dividends when he chose to pursue higher education at an Ivy League institution rather than signing with a professional team immediately after high school. This decision reflected his long-term thinking and commitment to having options beyond baseball.

Path to Major League Baseball

After graduating from Capistrano Valley High School, Hendricks chose to attend Dartmouth College rather than sign with the Los Angeles Angels, who had selected him in the 39th round of the 2008 MLB draft. At Dartmouth, he played college baseball for the Big Green under head coach Bob Whalen. During his junior year, Hendricks posted impressive numbers, recording a 6-3 win-loss record with a 2.47 ERA and 70 strikeouts across 62 innings pitched. His performance caught the attention of professional scouts despite competing in the Ivy League.

In the summer of 2010, Hendricks played for the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Cod Baseball League, one of the premier collegiate summer leagues in the country. This experience against top college talent further prepared him for professional competition. His success at Dartmouth and in Cape Cod ultimately led to him being drafted by the Texas Rangers in the eighth round with the 264th overall selection of the 2011 MLB draft. He signed with the Rangers and began his professional career with the Spokane Indians of the Low-A Northwest League.

Kyle Hendricks Career

Chicago Cubs Foundation (2014-2024)

The Chicago Cubs acquired Hendricks alongside Christian Villanueva in exchange for Ryan Dempster at the 2012 trade deadline. He spent the 2013 season developing in the minor leagues, earning recognition as the Cubs minor league pitcher of the year. The Cubs promoted him to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs during that season, where he continued to refine his craft against top-level competition.

After the Cubs traded Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel to the Oakland Athletics on July 4, 2014, Hendricks received his opportunity. He made his MLB debut on July 10, 2014, against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark. He earned his first career win in front of a home crowd against the San Diego Padres on July 22. Hendricks was named National League Rookie of the Month for August and finished his debut season with a 7-2 record and a 2.46 ERA. He tied for seventh place in the NL Rookie of the Year voting.

Breakthrough and World Series Champion (2015-2017)

The 2015 season saw Hendricks establish himself as a reliable member of the Cubs starting rotation, which was led by newly signed Jon Lester. He posted an 8-7 record with 180 innings pitched and a 3.95 ERA. His 17 no-decisions led all MLB starting pitchers that year. Hendricks earned National League Pitcher of the Month honors for August and served as the starter for Game 2 of the NLDS against St. Louis and Game 3 of the NLCS against the New York Mets.

The 2016 season represented the pinnacle of Hendricks career. He finished with a 16-8 record across 190 innings pitched and an MLB-leading 2.13 ERA, making him the first Cub to lead the National League in ERA since 1945 and the first to lead all of baseball since 1938. In Game 6 of the NLCS, he pitched 7 and one-third innings while facing the minimum batters to clinch the series and send the Cubs to their first World Series since 1945. Hendricks started Games 3 and 7 of the 2016 World Series, contributing to the Cubs historic championship victory that ended a 108-year title drought.

Despite battling through a finger injury in 2017, Hendricks finished with a 7-5 record and a 3.03 ERA over 139.2 innings. He tied for the major league lead in pickoffs with seven and pitched effectively in the playoffs, appearing in Games 1 and 5 of the NLDS and Game 3 of the NLCS.

Consistency and Extension (2018-2021)

The 2018 season saw Hendricks post a 14-11 record with a 3.44 ERA while leading all major league pitchers in changeup percentage at 30.7 percent. His ability to command multiple pitch types made him a difficult assignment for opposing hitters. He started the NL Wild Card Game against the Colorado Rockies, though he took the loss after allowing one run in the 13th inning.

On March 26, 2019, Hendricks and the Cubs agreed to a four-year contract extension through the 2023 season. On May 3, 2019, he recorded his first career Maddux, throwing an 81-pitch complete game victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. He finished the season 11-10 with a 3.46 ERA across 177 innings, recording his lowest walks per nine innings rate to that point in his career.

The 2020 season featured one of Hendricks most memorable performances. On July 24, he pitched a complete-game shutout in the Cubs season opener versus the Milwaukee Brewers, throwing only 103 pitches while allowing three hits, nine strikeouts, and no walks. It marked the first Opening Day shutout by a Cubs pitcher since Bill Bonham in 1974 and the first in MLB since Clayton Kershaw in 2013. He finished 6-5 with a 2.88 ERA and led the National League in fewest walks per nine innings and strikeout-to-walk ratio. He placed ninth in Cy Young voting that year.

Later Cubs Tenure and Transition (2021-2024)

The 2021 season presented challenges when Hendricks allowed four home runs in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves on April 18, becoming the first pitcher in Cubs history to allow four home runs in one inning. Despite this difficult outing, he finished the season with a 14-7 record and 4.77 ERA, though he led MLB with 200 hits allowed.

The 2022 season was cut short when Hendricks suffered a capsular tear in his shoulder during his final start on July 5. In 16 starts, he posted a 4-6 record and 4.80 ERA with 66 strikeouts across 84 and one-third innings. He returned in 2023 to make 24 starts, compiling a 6-8 record with a 3.74 ERA and 93 strikeouts across 137 innings.

The 2024 season proved difficult as Hendricks struggled to regain his form. After allowing the highest ERA by a Cub in his first five starts of a season at 12.00, he was moved to the bullpen on May 21. In 29 total games with 24 starts, he went 4-12 with a 5.92 ERA and 87 strikeouts across 130.2 innings. He elected free agency at the end of the season.

Los Angeles Angels (2025) and Retirement

On November 6, 2024, Hendricks signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels. On June 7, 2025, he recorded his 100th career win against the Seattle Mariners. Manager Ron Washington praised his performance, noting that he pitched much better than his ERA indicated. In 31 starts for Los Angeles, Hendricks logged an 8-10 record with a 4.76 ERA and 114 strikeouts across 164 and two-thirds innings. He announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on November 10, 2025, concluding a distinguished 12-year career.

Kyle Hendricks Career Wins

Across his 12 MLB seasons, Kyle Hendricks compiled a career record of 105 wins against 91 losses with a 3.79 ERA and 1,373 strikeouts. His most productive stretch came from 2015 through 2020, when he served as a cornerstone of the Cubs rotation.

Chicago Cubs Highlights

Hendricks earned his signature victory in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, helping the Cubs capture their first championship in 108 years. His 2.13 ERA that season led all of baseball and represented his career best. He recorded his first career Maddux on May 3, 2019, throwing an 81-pitch complete game against the Cardinals. The 2020 Opening Day shutout showcased his efficiency and ability to dominate through command rather than power.

Los Angeles Angels Highlights

Hendricks reached the 100-win milestone on June 7, 2025, when he earned the victory against the Seattle Mariners. This milestone highlighted his durability and consistency throughout his career, as he was able to continue competing at a high level into his late 30s.

Kyle Hendricks Family

Family Background

Hendricks grew up in San Juan Capistrano, California, as the son of John Hendricks, a golf professional, and Ann Marie Hendricks, a medical management consultant. His family supported his dual pursuit of athletics and academics throughout his development, encouraging him to attend college before beginning his professional career. This family guidance contributed to his disciplined approach and his decision to earn a college degree before focusing entirely on baseball.

Personal Life

Kyle Hendricks married his longtime girlfriend Emma Cain in November 2017. The couple established their home in San Juan Capistrano, California, where Hendricks continues to reside. His nickname “The Professor” stems from both his Dartmouth education and his analytical approach to pitching, drawing comparisons to Hall of Famer Greg Maddux, who carried the same moniker. During Players Weekend in 2017, Hendricks chose “Hendo” as his on-field nickname. He earned his bachelor degree in economics from Dartmouth College in December 2013, having completed his coursework during the winter of 2012 and fall of 2013 semesters.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked the final chapter of Kyle Hendricks MLB career as he joined the Los Angeles Angels on a one-year contract. Despite his advanced age and the challenges he faced in previous seasons, Hendricks demonstrated the durability and competitiveness that defined his career. Manager Ron Washington recognized his contributions, praising his performance in his 100th career win against Seattle in June. Hendricks made 31 starts for the Angels, logging 164 and two-thirds innings while compiling an 8-10 record. His ability to work deep into games provided stability to a young Angels rotation. Following the season, Hendricks announced his retirement from professional baseball, closing the book on a remarkable 12-year career that included a World Series championship, an ERA title, and over 1,300 career strikeouts.