Cubs: 3 notable players who won’t be on the roster by Opening Day

When it comes to the trade block, the position that usually gets the biggest return are pitchers. The Cubs already traded Darvish away and got a decent haul, so one cannot rule out the team moving pseudo-ace Kyle Hendricks.

For teams in need of consisting pitching, Hendricks should be their guy. Ever since debuting with the Cubs in 2014, Hendricks has never posted an ERA above 4.00. In fact, the highest ERA he’s ever produced at the major league level is a 3.95 during the 2015 season.

This past season was arguably Hendricks’ best since the 2016 campaign where he finished third in NL Cy Young voting. In 12 starts, the right-hander accumulated a 2.88 ERA, 0.996 WHIP, 64 strikeouts and eight walks in 81.1 innings. In fact, Hendricks led the league in walks per nine innings (0.9) and strikeouts-to-walks ratio (8.00).

Once free agent Trevor Bauer signs with his new club, the runner(s)-up could pivot to Hendricks, whether that’s the New York Mets, the Los Angeles Dodgers or others. In fact, a recent report from TSN indicated that the Blue Jays have talked to the Cubs about a trade involving Hendricks and Bryant. The Blue Jays might be out on Hendricks now after acquiring Steven Matz, but still. There will be teams looking to strengthen their starting rotation, and Hendricks would help with that. Think of the prospects you can get, Cubs. Consider it at the very least.