The Cubs started the day with big news of Kyle Hendricks' contract extension. The righty signed a four-year deal, worth $55.5 million. Plus, he'll get the already agreed upon salary for 2019.
Congrats to the Professor and just in case you haven't realized how good Hendricks has been, check this stat out.
As far as the starting rotation goes, Joe Maddon made it official for the first series of the regular season against the Rangers. It'll be Jon Lester, Yu Darvish and Cole Hamels, with Hendricks and Jose Quintana fourth and fifth to start the year.
As you know, Darvish and Hamels have previously pitched for the Rangers. The Cubs made another big decision on Tuesday, deciding that lefty Rand Rosario will take the last bullpen spot over Kyle Ryan and Allen Webster.
Rosario has minor league options left, so don't be surprised if at any point of struggle during the season the Cubs send him down to Iowa. Meanwhile, Webster doesn't have any options left, so once he's called up to the majors he has to stay up for good. Here's the Cubs bullpen to begin the regular season.
Doesn't really convey the greatest confidence to the fan base, but we'll see. Relievers can be so volatile from year to year.
