Tigers adding former Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks to front office as a special assistant

Posted April 29, 2026 5:02 pm

By Cody Stavenhagen

DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers have hired former MLB pitcher Kyle Hendricks as a special assistant, league sources told The Athletic.

Hendricks has a relationship with Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris and general manager Jeff Greenberg dating back to their time together in the Cubs organization. Hendricks is expected to focus on pitching development with the Tigers.

Hendricks pitched 12 MLB seasons, finishing his career with a 3.79 ERA. He spent 11 of his 12 years with the Cubs before finishing his career with the Los Angeles Angels. He is most remembered for his role with the World Series-winning 2016 Cubs, when Hendricks had a 2.13 ERA during the regular season and started Game 7 of the World Series.

Hendricks was nicknamed “The Professor” throughout his playing career, known for his cerebral approach and thoughtful demeanor. He attended Dartmouth before getting drafted in 2011 and, toward the end of his career, expressed interest in one day joining a front office or coaching staff.

Hendricks wanted to spend time with his family immediately after retiring. His new position both reunites him with old friends and adds an asset to the Tigers organization that could spark the next stage of Hendricks’ life in baseball.