Veteran reliever Liam Hendriks and the Minnesota Twins have agreed to a minor league deal with an invitation to MLB spring training, according to reports from Robert Murray of FanSided and Jon Heyman of The New York Post.
The agreement marks a return to Minnesota for Hendriks, who initially signed with the Twins as an amateur player hailing from Australia. He made his Major League debut with the team in September 2011 at Target Field. Over three seasons with the Twins, Hendriks appeared in 30 games, primarily as a starter, posting a 6.06 ERA. He was designated for assignment following the 2013-14 offseason and subsequently claimed off waivers by another team.
Hendriks’ career trajectory shifted significantly after leaving Minnesota. He developed into an elite closer with the Oakland Athletics and continued his success after signing a four-year free agent contract with the Chicago White Sox. During this period, he earned three All-Star selections and finished among the top 10 in American League Cy Young Award voting in both 2020 and 2021. He also led the American League in saves.
The past two seasons have presented considerable challenges for Hendriks. He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma during the 2022-23 offseason, but successfully battled the disease. However, his return to the field was hampered by an elbow injury requiring Tommy John surgery. He has seen limited action in recent years, with only 14 MLB appearances last season due to a series of setbacks.
In 2024, Hendriks missed the entire season. In 2023, he faced multiple injuries, including elbow inflammation early in the year, an abdominal strain in May and renewed forearm discomfort in September, ultimately necessitating ulnar surgery. The Boston Red Sox released him after he posted an 11.00 ERA over 13 2/3 innings.
Despite accepting a minor league contract, Hendriks is considered to have a viable opportunity to make the Twins’ major league roster. Minnesota’s bullpen currently features a core of Taylor Rogers, Justin Topa, Cole Sands, and Kody Funderburk as likely locks. Eric Orze, acquired via trade, is also expected to compete for a bullpen spot. Jackson Kowar, out of minor league options, faces pressure to perform and secure a roster position, though he has a career 8.21 ERA.
As an Article XX(b) free agent – a player with six years of service time who was released by his previous team – Hendriks’ contract includes automatic opt-out clauses. He can terminate the deal five days before Opening Day, on May 1, or on June 1. Should he exercise any of these options, the Twins would have 48 hours to either add him to their major league roster or release him.
