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 an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Los Angeles Angels. He debuted in MLB in 2014 with the Chicago Cubs. He achieved significant success with the Cubs, notably leading MLB in earned run average (ERA) in 2016. That same year, he played a key role in helping the Cubs win the World Series, ending their 108-year championship drought. Known for his command and control rather than velocity, Hendricks has established himself as a notable pitcher in MLB.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

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 in Cape Cod Baseball League

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

2011: Drafted by 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, beginning his professional career with the Spokane Indians.

2012: Traded to the Chicago Cubs

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

2013: Minor League Pitcher of the Year

In 2013, Kyle Hendricks began the season with the Tennessee Smokies and was later promoted to the Iowa Cubs. He was also named the Cubs' minor league pitcher of the year.

July 4, 2014: Trade of Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel

On July 4, 2014, following the trade of Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel, Kyle Hendricks was called up to make his Major League Baseball debut with the Chicago Cubs.

2014: PCL Pitcher of the Week

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

2015: Member of the Cubs Starting Rotation

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

2015: 2015 Season Performance and Postseason Appearances

In 2015, Kyle Hendricks had an 8-7 record with a 3.95 ERA. He started game two of the National League Division Series against St. Louis and game three of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets.

2016: Led Baseball in ERA

In 2016, Kyle Hendricks finished the season with a 16-8 record and a 2.13 ERA, leading all of baseball. This was the first time a Cub had led the National League in ERA since 1945 and the majors since 1938.

2016: Won the World Series

In 2016, Kyle Hendricks helped send the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series since 1945 and won the World Series over the Cleveland Indians, ending their 108-year title drought.

2016: World Series Win and ERA Leader

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

2018: Season Stats and Wild Card Game Loss

In 2018, Kyle Hendricks had a 14-11 record with a 3.44 ERA. He was the losing pitcher in the NL Wild Card Game against the Colorado Rockies, giving up one run in the 13th inning.

March 26, 2019: Contract Extension with the Cubs

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.

July 24, 2020: Complete-Game Shutout

On July 24, 2020, Kyle Hendricks pitched a complete-game shutout in the Cubs' season opener against the Brewers, throwing 103 pitches with three hits allowed, nine strikeouts, and no walks. It was the first Opening Day shutout by a Cubs pitcher since 1974 and in MLB since 2013.

2020: 2020 Season Stats and Cy Young Voting

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