A New Chapter for Liam Hendriks: From Red Sox to AL Central
A Comeback Story in the Making
Former Boston Red Sox reliever Liam Hendriks is back in the game, this time with the Minnesota Twins. A minor-league contract with a spring training invite is his ticket to a fresh start. But here's where it gets intriguing: Hendriks, a veteran of 14 MLB seasons, is no stranger to adversity.
The Road to Recovery
Hendriks joined the Red Sox in 2024, still recovering from Tommy John surgery. Despite a two-year, $10 million contract, he faced challenges. Making just 14 relief appearances, he struggled with a 6.59 ERA, a far cry from his All-Star days. Unfortunately, his comeback was cut short in September 2025 with elbow surgery, and his Red Sox journey ended in November when the team opted for a buyout.
A Star Before Boston
Before his Boston stint, Hendriks was a three-time All-Star and a top-10 finisher in the American League Cy Young Award voting. In 2021 with the Chicago White Sox, he led the AL with a career-high 38 saves. So, what went wrong in Boston? And this is the part most people miss: sometimes, a change of scenery is all it takes.
Back to His MLB Roots
Hendriks' new deal with the Twins brings him full circle. He made his big-league debut with the Twins in 2011 as a starting pitcher, but it was a rough start. He then bounced around, playing for the Cubs, Orioles, and Blue Jays, before finding his groove with the Kansas City Royals, where his transition to the bullpen began. It was with the Toronto Blue Jays and Oakland A's that Hendriks truly shone, leading to a lucrative three-year contract with the White Sox.
A Welcome Addition to the Twins
With 114 career saves, Hendriks joins a Twins team that finished fourth in the AL Central last season, 18 games behind the Cleveland Guardians. His experience and talent could be a game-changer for the club.
So, what do you think? Is Hendriks' move to the Twins a smart career choice? Or is it a risky move? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on this intriguing comeback story!
