The Minnesota Twins took a chance on veteran reliever Liam Hendriks with a minor league deal back in February, but as of Friday, Hendriks is back on the free agent market. At 37, Hendriks is a seasoned pro with three All-Star appearances under his belt, and he's now on the hunt for his next opportunity in the majors.
During the 2026 spring training, Hendriks showed he still has some gas in the tank, posting a respectable 3.86 ERA over seven outings. Yet, for reasons undisclosed, the fit with the Twins just wasn’t there.
Hendriks has had an impressive career trajectory, once standing tall as one of the premier closers in the game. Remember his top 10 finishes in the American League Cy Young voting in 2020 and 2021? Those were the days when he was shutting the door with authority for the Athletics and the White Sox, even leading the league with 38 saves in 2021.
Last year with the Red Sox, Hendriks faced some hurdles, making 14 appearances with a 6.59 ERA and battling injuries. Despite these challenges, his determination to keep playing is evident. Hendriks has always been vocal about his passion for the game and his desire to continue pitching.
As he explores his options, teams looking for bullpen depth might find Hendriks’ experience and leadership appealing. While he may not be the same dominant force he once was, his veteran presence could be invaluable, especially for mentoring younger arms in the bullpen. The next chapter in Hendriks' career will be one to watch, as he still has plenty to offer to a team willing to give him a chance.