The fan-favorite Chicago Cubs pitcher is expected to receive a $20.4 million contract

It could mean the end for some Chicago Cubs players in the coming days, as some players on the current roster are expected not to return next season.

Whoever these players are, it will be hard to see them go. Although the year didn’t go as planned, there wasn’t a single man in the Cubs’ locker room who wasn’t willing to work every game.

But there’s a chance Chicago will have to say goodbye to one of its fan favorites, a player who was on the 2016 World Series team.

This is the experienced Kyle Hendricks, who unfortunately struggled greatly in the 2024 season.

As Hendricks continues to age, his decline isn’t a huge surprise.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future with the Cubs, Ryan Taylor of Yahoo Sports reported that he plans to play next season.

“It will take some time before I can focus on myself again,” Hendricks said. “I love baseball.” I just love playing. So I’m going to invest some time in the off-season. I just want to be myself again, compete and do what I need to do on the field.

Still, the right-hander is aware that his time with the organization may be coming to an end.

“To be honest, you just soak up every day and don’t really want to think about the end,” Hendricks said. “I’m still at the point where I enjoy it so much with my friends and my teammates. I enjoy going out and playing and trying to win ballgames and just soaking up as much as I can.”

Even though the end is near, there’s always the possibility that Hendricks and Chicago could work out a deal. If they could get him a cheap contract, taking a chance on him getting back into form wouldn’t be the worst decision.

However, Spotrac recently predicted his potential contract and the Cubs should stay away from that contract.

They predicted he would get a three-year, $20.4 million contract.

At this stage of his career, that’s a lot of money for the California native to pay.

Hendricks posted a 6.28 ERA and a WHIP over 1.5. Those are numbers that simply won’t play for Chicago as they look to reach the postseason in 2025.

As a proven veteran throughout his career, hopefully he understands how much Cubs fans love him if this is indeed the end.