Angels, RHP Kyle Hendricks finalize one-year contract

SAN ANTONIO -- Free agent pitcher Kyle Hendricksand theLos Angeles Angelsfinalized a one-year, $2.5 million contract on Thursday.

Hendricks, 34, posted a 5.92 ERA for the Chicago Cubs last season but was better in the second half after a stint in the bullpen. His ERA was 4.41 from mid-July to the end of the regular season. He threw 7 shutout innings in his last start as a Cub in late September after spending the first 11 years of his career with Chicago.

The Angels are hoping Hendricks finds more consistency in 2025, similar to what he displayed at times late in 2024. They also have a young pitching staff that needs mentoring. Hendricks can help in that department as well.

Hendricks won the ERA title in 2016, helping the Cubs to a World Series title. He was the last member of that team still playing for the Cubs until he became a free agent after the 2024 season. Overall, he's 97-81 with a 3.68 ERA.

Hendricks is from the Los Angeles area, having gone to Capistrano Valley High School in Mission Viejo, California. He was originally drafted by the Angels in the 39th round in 2008 before attending Dartmouth. Additionally, his dad worked in the Angels' ticket office for six years when Hendricks was a teenager.

Right-hander Ryan Miller was designated for assignment to make room for Hendricks on the 40-man roster.