Liam Hendriks’ journey back to the mound has been anything but straightforward.
May 21, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Liam Hendriks (31) pitches against the New York Mets during the sixth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images
After battling cancer, undergoing Tommy John surgery, and dealing with multiple setbacks, the former White Sox closer has spent the last few years trying to rediscover his footing. Now, after opting out of a minor league deal with the Minnesota Twins, Hendriks is once again searching for a path back to the majors.
And the timing might be lining up perfectly for a return to Chicago.
The White Sox suddenly find themselves in need of bullpen depth. Injuries have already taken a toll, most notably with Mike Vasil ruled out for the season. On top of that, several depth arms have been cut loose as the team trims its roster ahead of Opening Day.
That leaves a gap—and Hendriks is a familiar solution.
During his previous stint with the White Sox from 2021 to 2023, Hendriks wasn’t just effective—he was electric. He earned All-Star honors in each of his two full seasons with the club and became a fan favorite for both his performance and his fiery presence on the mound.
For a young and evolving clubhouse, that kind of energy still holds value.
The current bullpen structure in Chicago appears relatively stable at the back end, with Seranthony Domínguez and Grant Taylor expected to handle high-leverage situations. That likely means Hendriks wouldn’t return as a closer—but that may not be the point.
At this stage of his career, the role is less important than the opportunity.
Even a version of Hendriks operating below his peak could still provide meaningful innings. His experience, competitiveness, and ability to handle pressure situations are traits that don’t disappear overnight. For a team looking to stabilize its pitching depth, those qualities matter.
There are, however, real concerns.
Hendriks’ command has been inconsistent, reflected in a high walk rate during his brief stint with the Twins this spring. After so many physical setbacks, it’s fair to question how much of his previous dominance he can realistically regain.
But that’s where the risk—and appeal—intersect.
For the White Sox, this would likely be a low-cost move with minimal downside. If Hendriks can contribute, it’s a win. If not, the team can pivot quickly without long-term consequences.
And across baseball, this is exactly the time of year when teams take those kinds of chances.
As Opening Day approaches, front offices are scanning the market for overlooked players who didn’t make other rosters. Hendriks fits that category—but he also brings something more: familiarity with the organization and a proven track record in Chicago.
Sometimes, those intangibles matter just as much as the numbers.
A reunion wouldn’t guarantee anything. It wouldn’t solve every bullpen concern or turn back the clock entirely.
But for a team searching for stability—and a player searching for one more opportunity—it feels like a move that makes more sense than it might have just a few weeks ago.
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