It’s not quite the splash Boston fans were hoping for, but the Red Sox signed All-Star relief pitcher Liam Hendriks to a two-year deal.
The agreement, reportedly worth $10 million, is a testament to the team’s confidence in Hendriks’ ability to rebound from Tommy John surgery.
Liam Hendriks is headed to Boston pic.twitter.com/90JctVoJC2
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 19, 2024
The proposed contract hinges on Hendriks passing a physical, with additional incentives available through performance bonuses.
The 35-year-old pitcher underwent reconstructive elbow surgery last summer, a procedure that typically necessitates a 15-month recovery period. Consequently, Hendriks may not see action until late in the 2024 season, if at all.
Liam Hendriks at the ESPYS last year. Just a really great person the Red Sox just brought into the organization.
pic.twitter.com/ya6IYzzc69— Boston Sports Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) February 19, 2024
Hendriks’ journey to this point has been marked by resilience and determination. Having battled and overcome stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed in 2022 while with the Chicago White Sox, he returned to the mound in 2023, only to be sidelined again by a torn ulnar collateral ligament after just five games.
Liam Hendriks was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma before last season.
He fought his battle and returned healthy during the season, cancer free.
One of the most admirable pitchers in the sport, I’m glad he’s on the Boston Red Sox.
pic.twitter.com/DExKnXmxbD— Boston Sports Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) February 19, 2024
With 476 games under his belt over 13 major league seasons, spanning stints with the Twins, Royals, Athletics, and White Sox, Hendriks boasts an impressive track record.
A three-time American League All-Star and a contender for the Cy Young Award on multiple occasions, he is known not only for his effectiveness on the mound but also for his infectious personality.
For those who aren’t familiar with Liam Hendriks story, this is a great recap of it.
Excited to see the comeback continue in a Red Sox uniform.
Once he returns to the field, he’ll quickly become a fan favorite.pic.twitter.com/eIqY6RU7C4
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) February 19, 2024
The Red Sox acquisition of Hendriks adds depth to their bullpen, complementing closer Kenley Jansen. (Although there is strong speculation that Jansen might be shipped out of Boston.)
Liam Hendriks: “Full Throttle” Personified pic.twitter.com/J3pPVfgB8A
— Mike McAuliffe (@BrightSideSox) February 19, 2024
Alongside Hendriks, the Red Sox have inked deals with right-handers Lucas Giolito and Cooper Criswell as they are set to start the season with a projected Opening Day payroll of around $165 million.
In the big picture, the reality is Boston fans are not too thrilled with John Henry and ownership. There’s a feeling that his interest in the Red Sox has dropped significantly.
Henry’s approach to the Sox nowadays is unrecognizable to the aggressive, win-at-all-cost approach he had back in the early 2000’s.
I’ll summarize this for everyone
John Henry doesn’t care about the Boston Red Sox winning games https://t.co/zUxhYRebla
— Matt Couture (@MattCouture5) February 17, 2024
What are your thoughts on the Hendriks signing?
how will the Red Sox do this season? … Will they be mediocre as expected, or do you think they could surprise some people?
Should Henry sell the team???
Liam Hendriks is freaking awesome, let it be heard.
pic.twitter.com/bGAyn0rlRH— Boston Sports Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) February 19, 2024