Former Minnesota Twins right-hander Liam Hendriks is officially hanging up the cleats. Hendriks, who pitched for the Twins from 2011-13, announced his retirement from MLB in an emotional (and funny) Instagram post.
“As for what’s next: My immediate retirement plans include testing whether my elbow can survive holding onto the leash when my dog sees a rabbit, and choosing a new hobby where being single-handedly responsible for losing a game doesn’t lead to ESPN SportsCenter breaking down my psychological collapse in slow motion for the next 24 hours. Thanks for the ride. It’s been an absolute blast.”
Hendriks left the Twins after the 2013 season. After over a decade of success, the right-hander returned to the Twins on a minor-league deal over the offseason. Hendriks, 37, was informed he wouldn't make the 2026 Opening Day roster, so he exercised his opt-out clause in his contract. He later signed a deal with the Chicago Cubs, but didn't pitch in the majors at all in 2026.
Looking at Ex-Twins RHP Liam Hendriks' successful MLB career
The Twins signed Hendriks out of Australia in 2007. He made his MLB debut in 2011.
Hendriks struggled as a Twin, posting a 6.06 ERA in 156 innings across 30 outings (28 starts). Minnesota designated him for assignment following the 2013 season.
The Chicago Cubs claimed Hendriks off waivers from the Twins in the 2013-14 offseason. Chicago DFA'd him, and he was claimed by the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles also DFA'd Hendriks that offseason, and he was claimed by the Toronto Blue Jays.
Hendriks made a few starts for the Blue Jays in 2014 before being traded to the Kansas City Royals. The Royals traded Hendriks back to the Blue Jays in the following offseason.
The Blue Jays converted Hendriks to a full-time reliever in 2015. He broke out with an outstanding year, recording a 2.92 ERA over 64 2/3 innings. The Blue Jays traded Hendriks to the Oakland Athletics during the following offseason.
Hendriks became a star with Oakland, posting a 3.08 ERA with 332 strikeouts in 263 innings across five seasons. After his stint with the Athletics, Hendriks signed a three-year deal with the Chicago White Sox. He posted a 2.76 ERA with 201 strikeouts over 133 2/3 innings with Chicago.
Hendriks was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in December 2022 but returned to the mound in May. He made just five appearances in 2023. Injuries kept him sidelined for all of the 2024 season and much of the 2025 season. He threw 13 2/3 innings for the Boston Red Sox in 2025.
In his 14 seasons in the big leagues, Hendriks posted a 3.88 ERA with 739 strikeouts over 663 2/3 innings. He is a three-time All-Star and two-time Mariano Rivera Reliever of the Year. He earned $62,371,875 throughout his career, according to Spotrac.
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