Perry Minasian isn’t finished enhancing the Los Angeles Angels’ roster. The general manager recently stated that he aims to bring in at least one more starting pitcher this offseason, following the signing of Kyle Hendricks. Hendricks had anticipated a lengthy offseason, knowing that his time with the Chicago Cubs was over and facing an uncertain future.
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However, he was surprised by how quickly the Angels moved to sign him. With their stadium just a 30-minute drive from his hometown, he found a familiar environment that provides him a solid opportunity to continue his career. Hendricks was on the free-agent market for less than a week. “The process was slow throughout the year,” he said regarding his realization that his time with the Cubs was coming to an end.
It’s a results-based league. Of course, I would have loved to be a Cub for life if it had worked out. But you have to produce, and that didn’t happen for me.” While Hendricks may not be an All-Star or a Hall of Famer, he has had a reliable career that would be enviable to many. Known for his consistency and stability on the mound, he has earned a reputation as a trustworthy player. His legacy, however, extends beyond mere statistics. He will primarily be remembered as a Chicago Cub, serving as a steady presence in the rotation and playing a crucial role during some of the team’s most significant years. In 2016, he was instrumental in breaking the Cubs’ World Series drought and finished third in the National League Cy Young voting that year.
For many years, Hendricks remained one of the last connections to that iconic championship squad. His presence marked the conclusion of an era for Cubs fans, embodying the perseverance that led the long-suffering franchise to victory. The need for additional pitching is so clear that even Minasian, typically reserved in his statements, has openly acknowledged that he is still seeking to add at least one more starter. “We still believe he can pitch. We think there’s plenty left in the tank,” Minasian said. “He’s just a year removed from performing very well, and we see no reason why he can’t return to that level he showed in 2023. He doesn’t rely solely on velocity; he knows how to pitch effectively.”
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