Kyle Hendricks – Los Angeles Angels Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Kyle Hendricks, often called “The Professor” for his analytical approach on the mound, has quietly put together a solid MLB career since debuting with the Chicago Cubs. Born December 7, 1989, Hendricks became a key part of the Cubs’ rotation for years, and he played a big role in their unforgettable 2016 World Series win.

After spending nearly his entire career with the Cubs, Hendricks signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels in November 2024, starting a new chapter in his journey.

Over the years, Hendricks has built up considerable wealth. His current net worth sits at $61,649,468, mostly from contracts like his previous one with the Cubs that paid him $14 million per year.

Now at 34, Hendricks has accepted a much lower salary with the Angels, but he’s still getting chances to show off his pitching smarts.

Hendricks never needed blazing speed to succeed. Instead, he’s made a name for himself with pinpoint command, changing speeds, and getting hitters to make weak contact.

This brainy style has kept him effective, even as the game shifted more toward power. The Angels hope Hendricks can bring some steady veteran presence as they try to rebuild their rotation.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Kyle Hendricks’ path in baseball took him from high school diamonds in California to Ivy League ball before he entered the pro ranks.

High School Years

Kyle Christian Hendricks was born in Newport Beach, California. He went to Capistrano Valley High School in Mission Viejo, where he quickly made a name for himself as a pitching talent.

He wasn’t the hardest thrower by any means, but he earned a reputation for his command and baseball smarts.

His coaches noticed his methodical approach early on—a trait that would eventually get him dubbed “The Professor.” Not only did he shine on the field, but he also excelled in the classroom. That combination made him a top target for schools that cared about both academics and athletics.

By his senior year, he’d become one of Orange County’s most reliable pitchers. He balanced strong grades with his pitching, which drew the attention of college recruiters.

Collegiate Baseball Experience

Hendricks picked Dartmouth College, an Ivy League school where he could chase both academic and athletic goals. He majored in economics and quickly became one of Dartmouth’s top pitchers.

While at Dartmouth, Hendricks focused on refining his technique. He cared more about precision and strategy than velocity, and that analytical approach became his signature.

In his junior year, he put up numbers that caught the eyes of MLB scouts. He earned All-Ivy League honors and showed off the mental game that would define his pro career.

His time at Dartmouth really shaped his approach. Teammates and coaches often talked about how much he prepared and studied opposing hitters.

Draft and Minor League Journey

The Texas Rangers picked Hendricks in the eighth round of the 2011 MLB Draft. He didn’t go in the early rounds, but scouts saw his potential thanks to his command and intelligence on the mound.

Hendricks started his pro career in the Rangers’ farm system. He quickly stood out as a control pitcher with excellent command. His minor league stats highlighted his efficiency.

In July 2012, the Rangers traded Hendricks to the Chicago Cubs organization in a deal for Ryan Dempster. That move ended up being a turning point for him.

Once with the Cubs, Hendricks kept impressing with his precision pitching and low walk rates. By 2013, he reached Triple-A Iowa, and his performance there earned him the Cubs’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year award.

He worked his way up methodically, and on July 10, 2014, at age 24, he made his MLB debut for the Cubs.

Professional Career Overview

Kyle Hendricks has built a reputation as one of the game’s smartest pitchers. He relies on precise control, not power, and his career has been all about consistency, smart pitch selection, and clutch postseason moments—especially during the Cubs’ World Series run.

Chicago Cubs Tenure

The Chicago Cubs brought Hendricks in after a 2012 trade with the Rangers. He made his big league debut on July 10, 2014, and quickly became a dependable starter.

His breakout year came in 2016, when he led all of MLB with a 2.13 ERA and finished third in Cy Young voting.

People started calling him “The Professor” because of his Dartmouth background and his thoughtful approach. Even though his fastball rarely hit 90 mph, Hendricks consistently outpitched guys who threw much harder, thanks to his command and pitch mix.

His Cubs career spanned from 2014 to 2023, making him one of the longest-tenured players from their competitive era.

Injuries did slow him down later, especially shoulder problems after 2020.

Notable Postseason Performances

Hendricks came up big when it mattered most in the 2016 playoffs. In Game 6 of the NLCS against the Dodgers, he tossed 7.1 shutout innings to clinch the pennant and send the Cubs to their first World Series since 1945.

He also started Game 3 and the crucial Game 7 of the World Series against Cleveland, helping break the Cubs’ 108-year title drought. His calmness under pressure became a signature trait.

His postseason resume says a lot:

• 2016 NLCS MVP consideration
• 3.12 career postseason ERA
• Key starts in elimination games
• Appeared in 11 playoff games from 2015-2020

Facing Rivals in the NL Central

Hendricks often dominated NL Central rivals, especially the Cardinals. He kept St. Louis hitters guessing with his changeup and pinpoint control.

The Pirates didn’t fare much better. Between 2016 and 2019, Hendricks put up a sub-3.00 ERA against Pittsburgh, using their aggression against them.

The Brewers were a tougher matchup with all their power. Hendricks adjusted by throwing more changeups to neutralize sluggers like Christian Yelich.

His success in the division helped the Cubs control the NL Central during their peak years. After his time in Chicago ended, Hendricks signed with the Angels for 2025 on a one-year, $2.5 million deal.

Contracts, Salary, and Financial Milestones

Kyle Hendricks has managed his career earnings well, landing big contracts as he established himself as a reliable starter. His paychecks have reflected his value and steady performance.

Major Contracts and Extensions

Hendricks hit his biggest financial milestone in March 2019. He signed a four-year, $55.5 million extension with the Cubs, which included a vesting option for 2024 worth $16 million. That extension showed the Cubs’ faith in him after he’d become one of their most trusted arms.

Before that, Hendricks avoided arbitration with a one-year, $4.175 million deal for 2018—a big jump from his earlier, lower salaries.

After leaving the Cubs, Hendricks accepted a pay cut, signing a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Angels in November 2024. That deal reflected where he stood in the market at this stage of his career.

Salary Progression

Hendricks’ salary history has had its ups and downs:

At his peak, he earned $14 million per year during his Cubs extension. Total career earnings are over $60 million, and his net worth is around $61.6 million.

His path mirrors most MLB players—low early salaries, bigger arbitration deals, then a major extension.

Team Options and Player Options

Hendricks’ contracts usually favored team control. His big Cubs extension included a vesting option for 2024 at $16 million, but he had to finish in the top three in Cy Young voting in 2020 for it to kick in.

The Cubs declined that option, making Hendricks a free agent after 2023. That call was about both performance and finances as the team shifted direction.

His current Angels deal is simple—just one year, no options. Both sides can reassess after 2025, with no strings attached.

Impact on Luxury Tax and Free Agency

Hendricks’ contracts have affected team payrolls differently over time. During his best years with the Cubs, his $14 million salary took up a big chunk of their payroll and played into luxury tax calculations.

Now, his $2.5 million deal with the Angels barely moves the needle for payroll or luxury tax. It’s a low-risk signing for the Angels, who get a proven starter without a big financial hit.

Hendricks didn’t really test free agency until after 2023, since his Cubs extension covered those would-be free agent years. Only after that did he sign with the Angels.

Looking back, the timing of his Cubs extension worked out well for Hendricks. He locked in long-term security before age and performance could hurt his market value.

Kyle Hendricks Net Worth and Earnings

Kyle Hendricks has built up real wealth through his steady MLB career, mostly with the Chicago Cubs. His income comes from his contracts and a few other sources beyond baseball.

Estimated Net Worth

Right now, Hendricks’ net worth is estimated at $61,649,468, thanks mainly to his MLB earnings. His biggest payday came from a four-year extension with the Cubs.

His salary history shows how much things have changed. When the Cubs picked up his 2024 option, Hendricks made $16 million that season. For 2025, he signed with the Angels for $2.5 million.

That drop in pay is pretty normal for a veteran pitcher who’s managed to stick around for years, even if he’s never been a fireballer.

Additional Income Sources

Kyle Hendricks hasn’t relied on just his baseball salary to make a living. He’s found ways to bring in extra income through a mix of endorsement deals, though he’s never been the guy with a dozen national campaigns.

Since he earned a finance degree from Dartmouth College, you’d expect he’s made some smart investments along the way. That background really sets him apart from a lot of other pro athletes when it comes to managing money.

He’s also jumped into hosting baseball camps and instructional programs. People respect his reputation as a pitcher with pinpoint command, not just speed, and he’s made that work for him.

His nickname, “The Professor,” has opened up some unique marketing opportunities. He’s leaned into that analytical persona, building a brand that stands out in the baseball world.

Achievements, Recognition, and Career Highlights

Kyle Hendricks has put together a pretty remarkable baseball career. He’s earned a reputation for his pitching precision and has played a big part in his teams’ successes.

His achievements range from individual stats to moments of real championship significance.

Pitching Achievements and ERA

In 2016, Hendricks hit his peak. He led all of Major League Baseball as the ERA leader, finishing with a 2.13 ERA. That season, he stood out as one of the most effective pitchers in the league, outpacing guys like Michael Wacha and Charlie Morton.

Over the years, Hendricks has racked up 1,275 strikeouts. He’s never been a power pitcher, but his command and strategy have always set him apart.

The Cubs picked him as their Opening Day starter in 2020. That’s a big deal and shows just how much the team trusted him to lead the rotation, even with some flashier arms around.

Awards and Honors

For team accomplishments, nothing tops 2016 for Hendricks. He played a crucial role in helping the Cubs win the World Series championship, finally ending that infamous 108-year drought.

In 2018, Dartmouth honored him by inducting him into the Wearers of the Green Hall of Fame. That’s a nod to both his college and pro success.

He hasn’t grabbed a Cy Young or Rookie of the Year award, but analysts and fans often praise his pitching intelligence. He’s earned respect for getting results without needing to throw 98 mph.

Key Games and Milestones

Some of Hendricks’ best moments have come in high-pressure games. Game 6 of the 2016 NLCS against the Dodgers stands out—his pitching clinched the pennant for the Cubs.

He made his MLB debut on July 10, 2014, after the Cubs called him up from Iowa. Right away, he showed the poise and control that would define his career.

He’s matched up against plenty of big names over the years, like Andrew McCutchen, and often came out on top by outsmarting hitters rather than overpowering them.

In 2021, Hendricks reached the 1,000 career strikeout milestone. That says a lot about his consistency and ability to stick around in a league obsessed with velocity.

Recent Developments and Future Outlook

Since leaving the Cubs, Hendricks has entered a new phase of his career. His contract with the Los Angeles Angels opens up fresh possibilities, and analysts are watching his numbers closely.

Trades and Potential Team Moves

After spending his whole MLB career with the Cubs, Hendricks signed a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Angels in November 2024. The Cubs’ four-year, $55 million extension had just run its course.

The Angels brought him in to help shore up their pitching rotation, maybe pairing him with Griffin Canning to stabilize the staff. Their front office clearly believes Hendricks can offer stability and some veteran guidance.

Analysts see the Angels’ move as a low-risk bet. If Hendricks finds his old form, he could become trade bait or give the team a boost for a playoff run.

Spring Training Updates

In his first spring with the Angels, Hendricks has had mixed outings. His fastball still sits around 86-87 mph, just like his later years with the Cubs.

He’s been working on his changeup, which has always been his bread and butter. The Angels’ pitching coaches have helped him tweak his mechanics just a bit to sharpen his command.

You’ll often see Hendricks mentoring the younger pitchers at camp. He’s stepped right into a leadership role with his new club.

Health hasn’t been a concern so far. He’s finished every bullpen session and simulated game without any issues.

The team plans to use him in the middle of their rotation, counting on him to eat innings and keep things steady—not necessarily to be their ace.

Comparison to Current MLB Peers

When you stack Hendricks up against guys like Garrett Crochet or Hayden Wesneski, he just feels like a different breed of pitcher. Those younger arms chase velocity, but Hendricks leans hard on control and pitch sequencing to get outs.

Look at his last Cubs season. Hendricks put up an ERA that sat above league average, but he still barely walked anyone. That’s not what you see from power pitchers like Roki Sasaki, who’s already turning MLB heads.

Honestly, Hendricks stands out as one of the smartest pitchers around. He thinks through every pitch, a lot like how Danny Jansen handles things behind the plate. And you know, he kind of reminds me of Cody Bellinger—both guys have figured out how to adapt as their physical skills shifted.

Most analysts peg Hendricks as a 1-2 WAR pitcher in 2025. He’s not the ace he was when he finished third in Cy Young voting, but he’s still useful.