Career Timeline of Kyle Hendricks: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Kyle Hendricks made an impact.

Kyle Hendricks is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Los Angeles Angels. Best known for his tenure with the Chicago Cubs, he debuted in MLB in 2014. Hendricks notably led MLB in ERA in 2016 and was a key player in the Cubs' World Series victory that same year, ending their 108-year championship drought. He is known for his command and control rather than overpowering velocity.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1938: First to lead majors since 1938

In 2016, Kyle Hendricks became the first Chicago Cub to lead the majors in ERA since 1938.

1945: First Cub to Lead National League in ERA Since 1945

In 2016, Kyle Hendricks became the first Chicago Cub to lead the National League in ERA since 1945.

1945: First World Series Since 1945

In 2016, Kyle Hendricks pitched in the clinching game to send the Cubs to their first World Series since 1945.

1974: First Opening Day Shutout by a Cubs Pitcher Since 1974

On July 24, 2020, Kyle Hendricks pitched a complete-game shutout, becoming the first Cubs pitcher since Bill Bonham in 1974 to achieve an Opening Day shutout.

2008: Drafted by Los Angeles Angels

In 2008, Kyle Hendricks was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 39th round of the MLB draft but chose to attend Dartmouth College instead.

2010: Played with Brewster Whitecaps

In 2010, Kyle Hendricks played collegiate summer baseball with the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

2011: Drafted by the Texas Rangers

In 2011, Kyle Hendricks was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the eighth round of the Major League Baseball draft and signed with them, starting his professional career with the Spokane Indians.

2012: Traded to the Chicago Cubs

At the 2012 trade deadline, Kyle Hendricks was acquired by the Chicago Cubs along with Christian Villanueva in exchange for Ryan Dempster.

2013: Named Minor League Pitcher of the Year

In 2013, Kyle Hendricks played for the Tennessee Smokies and was promoted to the Iowa Cubs during the season; the Cubs named Hendricks their minor league pitcher of the year for 2013.

2013: First Opening Day Shutout in MLB Since 2013

On July 24, 2020, Kyle Hendricks achieved the first Opening Day shutout in MLB since Clayton Kershaw in 2013.

July 4, 2014: Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel traded

On July 4, 2014, Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel were traded to the Oakland Athletics.

2014: Named PCL Pitcher of the Week

In 2014, Kyle Hendricks started the season with Iowa and was named the PCL's Pitcher of the Week for May 12–18.

2015: Member of Cubs' Starting Rotation

In 2015, Kyle Hendricks began the season as a member of the Chicago Cubs' starting rotation, led by Jon Lester.

2015: Most No Decisions Among MLB Starting Pitchers

In 2015, Kyle Hendricks had a record of 8-7 with 180 innings pitched and a 3.95 ERA. His 17 no decisions were the most among MLB starting pitchers in 2015. He also started game two of the National League Division Series and game three of the National League Championship Series.

2016: Lowest ERA in Baseball

In 2016, Kyle Hendricks finished the season with a 16–8 record, a 2.13 ERA (lowest in baseball), and led all major league pitchers in first-strike percentage (68.6%).

2016: World Series Win and ERA Leader

In 2016, Kyle Hendricks led Major League Baseball in earned run average (ERA) and won the World Series with the Chicago Cubs that same year.

2016: Won 2016 World Series

Kyle Hendricks won the 2016 World Series with the Chicago Cubs, starting in Games 3 and 7, which marked their first title in 108 years.

June 8, 2017: Placed on 10-Day Disabled List

On June 8, 2017, Kyle Hendricks was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to middle finger tendon inflammation in his right hand, retroactive to three days prior.

2018: Losing Pitcher in NL Wild Card Game

In 2018, Kyle Hendricks was the losing pitcher in the National League Wild Card Game against the Colorado Rockies, giving up three straight hits and one run in the 13th inning. He finished the season with a 14-11 record and a 3.44 ERA, leading MLB pitchers in changeup percentage (30.7%).

March 26, 2019: Contract Extension with the Cubs

On March 26, 2019, Kyle Hendricks and the Chicago Cubs agreed to a four-year contract extension through the 2023 season with a vesting option for the 2024 season.

July 24, 2020: Complete-Game Shutout

On July 24, 2020, Kyle Hendricks pitched a complete-game shutout in the Cubs' season opener versus the Brewers, throwing 103 pitches with three hits allowed, nine strikeouts, and no walks.

2020: Led NL in Fewest Walks Per 9 IP

In 2020, Kyle Hendricks had a 6-5 record with a 2.88 ERA, led the National League in fewest walks per 9 innings (0.885), in strikeout/walk ratio (8.000), and finished ninth in Cy Young voting.

April 18, 2021: Allowed Four Home Runs in One Inning

On April 18, 2021, Kyle Hendricks became the first pitcher in Cubs history to allow four home runs in the first inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves.

2022: Capsular Tear

In 2022, Kyle Hendricks made 16 starts for Chicago, registering a 4-6 record and 4.80 ERA. His last start was on July 5, after which he discovered he suffered a capsular tear in his shoulder and missed the remainder of the season.

2023: Return From Injury

In 2023, Kyle Hendricks returned from his injury and made 24 starts for Chicago, compiling a 6-8 record and 3.74 ERA with 93 strikeouts across 137 innings.

2023: Contract extension until 2023

On March 26, 2019, Kyle Hendricks and the Cubs agreed to a four-year contract extension through the 2023 season with a vesting option for the 2024 season.

May 21, 2024: Moved to Bullpen

On May 21, 2024, after struggling with a 12.00 ERA in his first five starts of the season, Kyle Hendricks was moved to the bullpen.

November 6, 2024: Signed with Los Angeles Angels

On November 6, 2024, Kyle Hendricks signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels.

2024: Option for the 2024 season

On March 26, 2019, Kyle Hendricks and the Cubs agreed to a four-year contract extension through the 2023 season with a vesting option for the 2024 season.