(670 The Score) A familiar face is set to be back in the Cubs’ starting rotation in 2024.
The Cubs exercised their $16.5-million team option on right-hander Kyle Hendricks for next season, the club confirmed Sunday. That means Hendricks – the longest-tenured Cubs player – will be back for an 11th season with the club.
Hendricks, who will turn 34 in December, posted a 3.74 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 137 innings across 24 starts in 2023, when he returned in May after having a serious shoulder injury in 2022.
Hendricks projects to slot somewhere in the middle of the Cubs’ rotation. Ace lefty Justin Steele will lead the way, and right-hander Jameson Taillon is locked in for a spot as well. Hendricks' return was expected and also much-needed after right-hander Marcus Stroman declined his $21-million player option with the Cubs for 2024 and instead chose to hit free agency.
In another roster decision, the Cubs also exercised their $6-million team option on catcher Yan Gomes for 2024. Gomes is a strong defender and hit .267 with 10 homers, 63 RBIs and a .723 OPS in 116 games last season.