Why Kyle Hendricks joined the Tigers, not the Cubs, as a special assistant

AL EastBlue JaysOriolesRaysRed SoxYankeesAL CentralGuardiansRoyalsTigersTwinsWhite SoxAL WestAngelsAstrosAthleticsMarinersRangersNL EastBravesMarlinsMetsNationalsPhilliesNL CentralBrewersCardinalsCubsPiratesRedsNL WestDiamondbacksDodgersGiantsPadresRockiesScores & ScheduleStandingsPodcastsThe Windup NewsletterFantasyMLB ProspectsMLB OddsMLB PicksPower RankingsFans Speak UpMLB Season As a key figure in the Chicago Cubs' run to the 2016 World Series title, including a start in Game 7, it would have seemed natural for Kyle Hendricks join the team's front office after retiring. Gene J. Puskar-Pool / Getty Images Share article1CHICAGO — Kyle Hendricks returning to the Chicago Cubs in a different capacity seemed like a natural next step — if one of the most valuable pitchers in franchise history wanted to join a front office and learn a different side of the business. With a young family, financial security and a Dartmouth degree, the extent to which Hendricks wanted to stay involved in the game was unclear. A surprising answer came this week when The Athletic first reported that the Detroit Tigers hired Hendricks as a special assistant who will focus on pitching development. “I talked to Kyle, and we’ve got a great relationship,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said Friday at Wrigley Field. “We talked about his decision to go there before he did it.” Hendricks, 36, retired as a player after pitching for the Los Angeles Angels last season, a meaningful last stop given his Southern California roots. Otherwise, a pitcher nicknamed “The Professor” for his cerebral approach spent his entire major-league career with the Cubs. Hendricks was the winning pitcher the night the Cubs captured their first National League pennant in 71 years, as well as the Game 7 starter in the 2016 World Series, one of the biggest moments in Chicago sports history. “The Cubs and Kyle have a great relationship,” Hoyer said. “I’ll let him sort of explain why, and what his role is and how he’s going about it. But, certainly, there’s nothing negative there. I think I’ve said it a million times: I can’t imagine an easier and better teammate for 10 years. So, everything’s great with Kyle.” Hendricks did not immediately respond to a text message from The Athletic. A source close to Hendricks said the former player remains on good terms with the Cubs, framing this as a preliminary step to gain some exposure to baseball operations and see what he may want to pursue in the future. The source also cited Hendricks’ established connections to Detroit’s front office, which features several officials who worked for the Cubs during their 2016 championship season. That group includes Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris, general manager Jeff Greenberg and vice president of baseball strategy Alex Smith. Harris, in particular, talked with Hendricks about a potential role with the Tigers during a 10-year reunion for the 2016 World Series team, according to league sources, and the conversations continued after that January event in Chicago. As a Cubs official, Harris took a lead role in negotiating the four-year, $55.5 million contract extension that Hendricks signed before Opening Day 2019. During that ensuing period, Hendricks’ consistency and professionalism convinced the Cubs to pick up their $16.5 million option for 2024. Although that season did not go as planned for Hendricks (4-12, 5.92 ERA) or the Cubs (83-79), the club still managed to give him a proper send-off. He understood that he could have been released during the middle of the year and appreciated the chance for a farewell at the Friendly Confines. In a vintage performance, Hendricks tossed 7 1/3 scoreless innings in a 3-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds, moving a pitcher who did not seek the limelight or lose his composure. “I feel so lucky and so happy,” Hendricks said on Sept. 28, 2024. “I had my whole family here today in the stands. I’m sure they’re crying. Just for the fans to give me that — from the moment I showed up to the ballpark today, kind of celebrating me — part of me hates it. I hate all that attention. But at the end, I know I have to soak in these moments. “That’s what the Wrigley fans are there for. They are so special. They’re the best in the world. To play here at Wrigley Field, I’m just such a lucky guy.” Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms