Liam Hendriks is heading back to where it all began.
The veteran reliever has reportedly agreed to a minor league deal with the Minnesota Twins, complete with an invite to big league camp. It’s a full-circle moment for the 37-year-old, who made his MLB debut with the Twins back in 2011. Now, after a winding journey through six other clubs, Hendriks is returning to the Twin Cities with hopes of one more run on a major league mound.
For longtime fans, this reunion hits a nostalgic note. Hendriks’ early years in Minnesota were more about potential than production, but what followed was one of the more impressive bullpen evolutions in recent memory.
After bouncing from the Blue Jays to the Royals and then carving out a dominant stretch with the Athletics and White Sox, Hendriks established himself as one of the premier closers in the game. From 2019 to 2022, he was nearly untouchable-earning three All-Star selections while putting up a 2.26 ERA and locking down 114 saves over 226 appearances.
Those were peak Hendriks years: electric fastball, fearless mentality, and a presence on the mound that screamed closer.
But the last few seasons have been a battle. Injuries have taken their toll, with Hendriks missing all of 2024 as he rehabbed and managing just five appearances in 2023. In 2025, he made it back to the mound for 14 games, but it was clear he wasn’t yet back to full strength.
Now, the Twins are taking a calculated swing. A minor league deal with an invite to spring training gives both sides flexibility-Minnesota gets a look at a potential bullpen boost without a major commitment, and Hendriks gets a shot to show he’s still got something left in the tank.
And for Hendriks, this is more than just a comeback-it’s a homecoming. The fan response has been loud and supportive, with many pulling for the Aussie right-hander to find his form again.
Social media lit up with reactions ranging from cautious optimism to full-on encouragement. Some fans pointed out the risk given his injury history, but most were quick to note that even at less than 100%, Hendriks has the kind of competitive edge and experience that’s tough to find.
His career numbers-33-36 record, 3.88 ERA, 116 saves across 490 games-tell part of the story. But they don’t capture the grit, the fire, or the journey.
Hendriks has reinvented himself before. He’s battled through setbacks, climbed back to the top, and earned respect across the league not just for his performance, but for his resilience.
The next few weeks will be telling. If he can stay healthy and show flashes of the pitcher who once dominated late innings, there’s a real chance he could earn a spot in the Twins’ bullpen. And if that happens, it won’t just be a feel-good story-it could be a meaningful addition for a team that knows just how valuable a proven late-inning arm can be.
For now, it’s wait and see. But Liam Hendriks is back in Minnesota, and that alone is worth watching.