Kyle Hendricks Retires After 12 MLB Seasons, Won 2016 World Series With Cubs

Pitcher Kyle Hendricks, who is best known for playing an integral role in the 2016 Chicago Cubs' World Series title, retired Monday following 12 seasons in Major League Baseball.

ESPN's Jesse Rogers reported Hendricks' agent confirmed the decision.

The 35-year-old pitched for the Los Angeles Angels during the 2025 season after suiting up for the Cubs for his other 11 years in the league. Chicago acquired him the season after the Texas Rangers drafted him in 2011, and he made his MLB debut in 2014.

The rest was Cubs history.

Hendricks wasted no time announcing himself to the North Siders with a 2.46 ERA as a rookie, but it was his third season with the Cubs that made him a franchise legend. He led the league with a 2.13 ERA, posted a career-high 170 strikeouts and finished third in National League Cy Young voting.

He then dominated in the postseason with a sparkling 1.42 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 19 strikeouts in 25.1 innings across five different starts. His most notable start came in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series when he outperformed Clayton Kershaw with 7.1 shutout innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Chicago won that game 5-0 to clinch its first World Series appearance since 1945.

The right-hander made two starts against Cleveland in the Fall Classic, including when he allowed one earned run in 4.2 innings in the decisive Game 7 that made the Cubs champions for the first time since 1908.

While that 2016 campaign secured his spot in Chicago lore, he remained effective for the majority of his career with the team. In all, Hendricks posted a 3.68 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in his 11 seasons with the National League Central club.

He was also a fan favorite who earned the nickname "The Professor" in a nod to his Ivy League background as a Dartmouth alum and his ability to work his way through games despite rarely reaching the 90 mph mark on the radar.

Hendricks was less effective in his one season with the Angels with a 4.76 ERA, but he will forever be associated with the Cubs.

Rogers noted he is just looking to spend time with his family in retirement and does not currently have coaching or front office aspirations after his playing career.