The Chicago Cubs have signed former Minnesota Twins right-handed reliever Liam Hendriks to a minor-league deal, according to The Athletic's Britt Ghiroli. The Twins granted Hendriks, 37, his release in March after the righty posted a 3.86 ERA with five strikeouts while allowing nine hits and five walks across seven innings in spring training.
Many Twins fans were disappointed when Minnesota released Hendriks, a two-time Mariano Rivera Reliever of the Year. The Australian native began his MLB career as a starter with the Twins in 2011, pitching for the organization through the 2013 season. Since then, Hendriks has logged MLB innings with the Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox.
From 2019 through 2022, Hendriks was arguably the best reliever in baseball, posting 9.4 bWAR and a 2.26 ERA with a 38.8% strikeout rate and 5.1% walk rate for the Athletics and White Sox. After recovering from Stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hendriks made just five outings in 2023. He missed the entire 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery before posting a poor 6.59 ERA in 13 2/3 innings with the Boston Red Sox last season. While Hendriks' age is likely a reason for his regression, the righty's setbacks have also likely been a major factor.
Hendriks' fastball once averaged 97-98 mph, but it sat at just 93.9 mph in spring training. While he may not have anything left in the tank, his solid spring training results were enough for Chicago to be willing to sign him. With Cubs relievers Caleb Thielbar, Hunter Harvey and Riley Martin sidelined with injuries, the Cubs added much-needed bullpen depth by signing Hendriks. Still, Hendriks will probably have to pitch well with Triple-A Iowa to earn another MLB opportunity.
It's possible Hendriks could've made the Twins' bullpen much better
When looking at the current state of the Twins' bullpen, it's hard not to wish that Minnesota had held onto Hendriks. Even though Minnesota granted Hendriks his release, meaning it was his idea to seek an opportunity with a different team, the Twins could've kept him if they had placed him on their Opening Day roster.
While hindsight is 20/20, and Hendriks could've struggled with the Twins if he had made the 26-man roster out of spring training, it's difficult not to imagine if the righty would've made the Twins' struggling bullpen better. Minnesota's relievers rank 29th among the 30 teams in ERA (5.54) and strikeout rate (17.9%), 23rd in walk rate (11.8%) and last in batting average against (.273).
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