Kyle Hendricks (SP, CHC) - Fantasy Baseball Sleeper

BALLER MOVE: Target Late in Deep Mixed and NL-Only Leagues

ANALYSIS: Kyle Hendricks posted a 2.46 ERA in 80.1 innings with the Cubs last season, despite a fastball that averages 89.2 mph and a strikeout rate of 14.6%. Hendricks has always had outstanding control, decent ground ball numbers and a tendency to limit home runs, but questions remain regarding how his skills will translate to the majors. There are valid concerns that Hendricks’s lack of strikeout stuff could lead to longer counts, fewer innings pitched and a reliance on favorable BABIP numbers.

Playing time may be an issue, with Edwin Jackson, Travis Wood, Dan Straily, Felix Doubront and Jacob Turner all fighting Hendricks for the final rotation spots. However, based on last year, the job could be his to lose. With his skill-set, he has a decent shot at keeping it.

With a projected 150 IP for the upcoming season, Hendricks is an interesting play in deeper mixed and NL-only leagues. For shallower leagues that don't see Hendricks drafted, he could make a prime streaming candidate.