Cubs Veteran Starter Says He's Fully Healthy and 'Ready To Go'

The Chicago Cubs seem to have a fully healthy starting rotation heading into Spring Training.
Cubs Veteran Starter Says He's Fully Healthy and 'Ready To Go'
Cubs Veteran Starter Says He's Fully Healthy and 'Ready To Go' /
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Despite the overall lackluster offseason the Chicago Cubs have had so far, there is plenty of reason to be excited about the upcoming year.

After doing a great job of rebuilding their farm system, many of their top prospects seem ready to become contributors at some point in 2024.

Getting to see which of these young stars could take the next step in their careers will be a main storyline throughout the year, and if the Cubs can become contenders for a playoff spot, that just adds to what they've been able to build.

Of course, the offseason isn't over and more moves could be coming, but the front office hinted they aren't rushing to add additional players.

A major positive Chicago has entering Spring Training is that their starting rotation seems to be healthy for the start of this period for the first time in a while.

Kyle Hendricks is happy to be back with the franchise and is looking to build upon his bounce back season he had in 2023.

"... Standing here now this time, being fully healthy, ready to go, having a normal spring ahead of me, it's way better," he said according to Marshall Harris of CBS 2 News.

The 34-year-old has spent his entire Major League career with the Cubs and is currently their longest-tenured member of the club.

He was part of their 2016 World Series winning team, but has been ravished by injuries the couple years that caused a dip in his performance.

However, last season he looked like the vintage version of himself, posting an ERA of 3.74 across 24 starts with an ERA+ of 120 over 137 innings pitched.

Having him healthy at the start of 2024 will be a major advantage for this rotation that is hoping Justin Steele can continue his growth, Shota Imanaga turns into an ace, and Jameson Taillon can put together his own bounce back season.


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Brad Wakai
BRAD WAKAI

Brad Wakai graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Journalism. While an undergrad, he did work at the student radio station covering different Penn State athletic programs like football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and other sports. Brad currently is the Lead Contributor for Nittany Lions Wire of Gannett Media where he continues to cover Penn State athletics. He is also a contributor at FanSided, writing about the Philadelphia 76ers for The Sixers Sense. Brad is the host of the sports podcast I Said What I Said, discussing topics across the NFL, College Football, the NBA and other sports. You can follow him on Twitter: @bwakai