Veteran reliever Liam Hendriks agreed to a two-year, $10 million contract with the Boston Red Sox, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney.
Hendriks’ availability for the 2024 MLB season could be limited after he underwent Tommy John surgery last August. He threw just five innings for the Chicago White Sox before getting sidelined due to right elbow inflammation.
The 35-year-old was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and began treatment during the 2023 offseason. After completing chemotherapy, he made his season debut in a 6-4 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on May 29.
It speaks to Hendriks’ résumé that Boston would sign him despite the likelihood of him missing most or all of 2024. The right-hander has a 3.82 career ERA, a 3.26 FIP and 116 saves in 13 seasons. He led the American League in saves (38) in 2021.
Hendriks is a bit of a late bloomer in that he didn’t make his breakthrough until his age-26 season with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2016, and his first of three All-Star nods didn’t arrive until he turned 30.
If he can get back to his best, there’s no question he’ll be a valuable piece in Boston’s bullpen.
And this may be a case of the Red Sox planning ahead.
Kenley Jansen, who had 29 saves and was an All-Star with the team in 2023, is due to be a free agent after this season. His departure would open the door for Hendriks to take over as the full-time closer in 2025.
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