Kyle Hendricks has joined the Detroit Tigers as a special assistant after his MLB career, despite speculation he would join the Chicago Cubs front office. His move is influenced by the presence of former Cubs executives in the Tigers' leadership.
Key points
Kyle Hendricks joins Detroit Tigers as a special assistant
Speculation suggested he would join the Chicago Cubs front office
Tigers' leadership includes former Cubs executives
Hendricks has a strong baseball background and Ivy League education
It was almost a given that Kyle Hendricks would join a front office after his baseball career ended.
He obviously has the baseball knowledge, not to mention the Ivy League pedigree so many modern-day owners look for in choosing executives.
But most of the media speculation was that Hendricks would wind up in the Chicago Cubs front office, joining the organization he spent all but one season of his major-league career.
The Tigers are led by two former Cubs execs — President Scott Harris and general manager Jeff Greenberg — so there is a history that led to the reunion.
Still, you’d think Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts would do whatever was possible to get Hendricks back in Chicago, working under President Jed Hoyer.
“I talked to Kyle and we’ve got a great relationship,” Hoyer told reporters Friday. “We talked about his decision to go there before he did it. The Cubs and Kyle have a great relationship. I’ll let him explain why and what his role (is) and how he’s going about it, but certainly there’s nothing negative there and I think I’ve said it a million times, I can’t imagine an easier and better teammate for 10 years. Everything’s great with Kyle.”
A special assistant title can mean anything, and it doesn’t necessarily lead to a long future in the front office. Will Venable was a special assistant under former Cubs President Theo Epstein in 2017 before becoming a first-base coach with the Cubs, bench coach in Boston and Texas and finally manager of the White Sox.
It’s great to see Hendricks back in the game, and perhaps he’s better off learning the Detroit Way after already becoming well versed in the Cubs Way. It’s also another example of the reverse brain drain from Chicago to Detroit, after the Tigers stole broadcaster Jason Benetti from the White Sox. At least the Bears took Ben Johnson from the Lions.
Q&A
Why did Kyle Hendricks leave the Chicago Cubs for the Detroit Tigers?
Kyle Hendricks joined the Detroit Tigers as a special assistant due to the presence of former Cubs executives in their leadership, which likely influenced his decision.
What role will Kyle Hendricks have with the Detroit Tigers?
Kyle Hendricks will serve as a special assistant with the Detroit Tigers.
Who are the key executives leading the Detroit Tigers?
The Detroit Tigers are led by President Scott Harris and general manager Jeff Greenberg, both of whom previously worked with the Chicago Cubs.
What is Kyle Hendricks' background in baseball?
Kyle Hendricks has extensive baseball knowledge and an Ivy League education, making him a strong candidate for a front office role.
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