NEWSLETTER
For reasons both practical and sentimental, I think virtually all Chicago Cubs fans were pretty eager when we heard a report that the team and Kyle Hendricks were talking about an extension that could keep him with the club beyond 2024.
The Cubs have a reasonable $16.5 million option for 2024 on the resurgent Hendricks ($1.5 million buyout), and it only made sense that the sides would talk about whether there was a mutually agreeable way to turn that into a two or three-year deal, with a reduced AAV, but a larger guarantee. We know the Cubs love Hendricks. We know Hendricks loves the Cubs. And we know Hendricks showed this season that he’s got more in the tank, in addition to the value he brings as a veteran pitcher in the clubhouse.
Buuuuuuuut, that all may have been a bit early.
On with Waddle & Silvy on ESPN 1000, Jesse Rogers said that he’s really not hearing the same thing:
“I’ve been told that is not happening. If anything, (the Cubs) will exercise the option. There’s a chance they could talk in March, you know, Spring Training. But I don’t think he’s going to sign an extension any time soon …. I don’t discount the chance of signing up another contract, but I just don’t think it’s imminent or around the corner. I don’t think they’ve had any discussions about a long-term deal. The first step will be the option.”
In other words, even though the looming decision on the club option creates a natural window for discussions, that may not happen. Instead, the Cubs may do as they usually do for extension talks, and get through the offseason first.
That cuts both ways, since you’ll have more information come March, but you’ll also have had to make your offseason decisions before then. Seems like it would be good to know what the AAV is going to be on Hendricks’ deal before you plunge headlong into this particular offseason, but again, I do understand the counterargument.
Either way, if Rogers is right, we can probably stand down on any expectations that a Hendricks extension is coming very soon.
