Matt SullivanWed, April 29, 2026 at 7:30 PM UTC·2 min readTigers add former Cubs fan-favorite Kyle Hendricks to MLB club, but not as a player originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Detroit Tigers are sitting atop the AL Central, though they own just a 15-15 record. But, there is some concern now with their pitching staff, as Casey Mize is banged up and could join Justin Verlander on the injured list.
If he does, the rotation will need some help, and they could turn to their organizational depth, the trade market, or an unsigned free agent.
And on Wednesday, according to The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen, former fan-favorite Chicago Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks joined the Tigers organization. But, he's not a pitcher; instead, joining the front office as a special assistant.
"The Detroit Tigers have hired former MLB pitcher Kyle Hendrickson as a special assistant, league sources told The Athletic," Stavenhagen reports.
This is an intriguing hire for the Tigers, as Hendricks was playing in the Major Leagues just last season. He played in 12 seasons in his lengthy big-league career, and wasn't a bad pitcher either.
During his time with the Cubs and Angels, he posted a 3.79 ERA. Hendricks also helped the Cubs win the 2016 World Series, where he posted a 2.13 ERA in the regular season for Chicago during their World Series run.
More: Pete Crow-Armstrong is still struggling to hit well for the Cubs
After over a decade in the Major Leagues as a player, this decision from the beloved pitcher has Hendricks joining the front office, putting his playing days behind him.
According to Stavenhagen, Hendricks will focus his role in the Tigers front office on "pitching development."
He has ties to Scott Harris and Jeff Greenberg, and is reuniting with them after their days on the Cubs together in the Detroit Tigers front office.
This is an interesting hire for the Tigers, as they're bringing in a recently retired Major Leaguer to the front office.
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