I think I only entertain a potential Kris Bryant deal if SP Kyle Hendricks is included. To me, Marcus Semien can provide pretty similar value to Bryant without the cost of prospects and for a cheaper price financially. Kyle Hendricks added to Bryant intrigues me though...
Despite Hendricks averaging just 87 MPH on his fastball, he's proven to be one of the best, most durable, and consistent starters in the game over the last 5 years. Let's take a look at exactly where Hendricks ranks since 2015:
- 19.5 fWAR ranks 11th
- 3.18 ERA ranks 12th
- 3.55 FIP ranks t-23rd with Hyun-Jin Ryu
- 965 innings pitched ranks 9th
- 86.5 MPH average exit velocity against ranks 3rd
- 28.9% hard hit rate ranks 10th
- 5.4% walk rate ranks t-17th with Hyun Jin Ryu
He's clearly a master of limiting quality contact and limiting free-passes. Notably, Hendricks also touts a 3.12 ERA in 57.2 postseason innings pitched for the Cubs. In the 2016 NLCS and World Series, he posted a 0.83 ERA in 21.2 IP. He’s not only been successful in the regular season, but he’s also dominated in the postseason.
With him on a team-friendly deal through 2024 worth $14 million annually, he also represents a terrific value financially. I'm not sure the Cubs would be willing to move Hendricks after moving Darvish earlier in the offseason, but to me, Hendricks is a potential sneaky target that really interests me.