Angels sign former World Series champion pitcher

Apr 15, 2020; Anaheim, California, USA; General overall view of the Los Angeles Angels logo at Angel Stadium of Anaheim amid the global coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY NETWORK

The Los Angeles Angels are bringing in a former World Series champion to bolster their pitching staff for 2025.

The Angels are in agreement on a one-year deal with former Chicago Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks, according to multiple reports. ESPN’s Jesse Rogers reported that the deal is worth $2.5 million.

Hendricks turns 35 in December, and the Angels clearly view him as something of a mentor for their younger pitchers. He was not effective last year with a 5.92 ERA in 29 appearances, and he actually got sent to the bullpen at one point due to his struggles. He did post a sub-4 ERA as recently as 2023.

Hendricks has a career ERA of 3.68 and a long track record of success. He has also pitched in plenty of big games, and was the starter in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series that the Cubs ultimately won.