If he returns as an assistant coach, Hendricks will not only teach shooting technique. He will shape the pitching mindset of the young players, from preparing mentally before games and handling nail-biting situations to dealing with high-performing batters.
This could create a domino effect:
Reducing pressure on the bullpen.
Increasing consistency in crucial games.
The story of a player returning as a coach isn’t uncommon in sports, but for the Cubsâa team deeply rooted in tradition and heritageâthis could be a strategic turning point that few initially saw. Hendricks isn’t just returning; he will connect generations, pass on the passion he earned to the next, and forge a deep connection with the community.
One of the most frequently mentioned points is the respect the young players have for Hendricks. Not everyone has the ability to teach others how to playâespecially those who have been at the top. But Hendricks had it: humility in his tactical thinking, coupled with the ability to convey what he called “a holistic view of baseball.”
A young pitcher in the Cubs system once said, “Hendricks doesn’t teach you how to pitch. He teaches you how to think about baseball.”
Currently, the Cubs haven’t officially confirmed any contract. But internal discussions, the head coach’s early interest, and the fan frenzy suggest that an official announcement could come sooner than expected â possibly during Spring Training.
If Kyle Hendricks does return as an assistant coach, it wouldn’t just be news for the Cubs â it would be a powerful sign of an organization that values ââits history and uses it to shape its future.
A legend may be about to walk through the doors of the Wrigley Field locker room⊠but this time, heâll be on the other side of the board, passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation. And for the Cubs Nation, thatâs incredibly heartwarming news.
