Will 2022 be a bounce back year for Kyle Hendricks?

Kyle Hendricks stands as one of the few remaining players from the Cubs World Series team. Hendricks is typically one of the most consistent and reliable arms in the MLB. However, 2021 was not his best and Chicago is hoping he can return to prominence. Hendricks, of course, was the game seven starter in the World Series for the Cubs. He also had one of the more dominant campaigns in 2020 in the shortened pandemic season. So will the Cubs ace return to form in 2022?

The Cubs added help to bolster their defense that aids particularly to Hendicks’ style of play. Hendricks is excellent at pitching to weak hitting and that lends nicely with the infield addition of Andrelton Simmons. For a pitcher that leans on his defense, the Cubs helped surround him with help this offseason. However, one common concern for the ace and the Cubs is if Chicago will put up enough runs to earn him more wins in 2022.

What happens if Hendricks does return to form this season? Will he be someone the Cubs hold on to? Or will he be a ever valuable piece at the trade deadline? If he shows any signs of his former self, the starter is sure to demand a haul in return. Will the Cubs take advantage of that in the middle of their rebuild?

Perhaps, Chicago will prove to be a better team than they look on paper and this bounce back year for Kyle Hendricks will again bring him to high stakes playoff games. Whatever happens, having a reliable arm like his will transform the Chicago Cubs season.

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