With just a little more than three weeks until Opening Day, it is clear that if the Minnesota Twins are going to win this season, it will be on the backs of their starting rotation. The blueprint is obvious: strong outings from the top three arms, consistent innings from the back half, and just enough offense from this exciting young lineup to create breathing room. But even with good performances from their rotation, the back end of the bullpen needs to step up to close out games.
One of the most interesting offseason signings is right-handed reliever Liam Hendriks. Hendriks is a 37-year-old Australian looking to win the spot as the Twins’ closer this season. He is one of the veterans, along with Taylor Rogers, that the Twins brought back in hopes that they can be leaders in a young bullpen.
Hendriks started his MLB career as a starter with the Twins back in 2011-2013. He didn’t find his footing in the league until he moved to the bullpen and had a very good 2015 season in Toronto. His velocity shot up, and his breaking ball got nastier.
Now, after over 11 years of service time, beating cancer, and recovering from elbow issues, the Australian looks to add to his list of incredible comebacks. Unfortunately, it feels like an uphill battle.
Earlier this spring, Hendriks looked solid during live ABs against some of the young talent in the Twins lineup. With that being said, he is one of the few Twins pitchers who haven't appeared in an exhibition so far this spring. If he can get healthy early in the season, the leadership and fiery energy in the back end of the bullpen will be massive for the success of this ball club.
The Twins need big outs and to shut the door late in close games, but Hendriks' presence in the clubhouse is an asset as well. His journey alone earns respect from everyone, and making the roster and being a key piece to this team would only further the respect his teammates have for him.
It's unclear if Liam Hendriks will make Twins' Opening Day roster
To answer the question of whether or not the veteran right-hander makes the Opening Day roster, it is almost too hard to tell right now. Hendriks will need to continue to get healthier and be at a spot where he will be able to get outs in April. Becoming the closer this season is a tall task that seems to be unreachable, but you can’t count a guy like Hendriks out.
Fans might remember his viral mic’d-up moment at the 2021 All-Star Game, showcasing his intensity and lack of concern for what anyone thinks about him. He is a competitor, and that is what this young team needs in this uncertain time. Hopefully, Hendriks will get healthy and be able to stay up in the bigs for the entirety of the 2026 season and showcase this electricity to Twins fans.