The Comeback Story of Liam Hendriks: A Journey Through the AL Central
In the ever-shifting landscape of baseball, former Kansas City Royals players have been finding new homes this winter, and one of those familiar faces has just landed back in the AL Central. This week, Minnesota Twins announced the return of Liam Hendriks, a right-hander who's no stranger to the division.
Hendriks' journey began with the Royals, but his time there was brief. He was part of a trade with the Blue Jays in 2014, spending just half a season with the club. However, it's his subsequent stops that have defined his career. After leaving Kansas City, Hendriks made a name for himself with the Oakland Athletics, where he spent five seasons and established himself as a force to be reckoned with.
During his time with the A's, Hendriks dominated, posting an impressive 3.08 ERA over 663.2 innings. It was here that he transitioned into a closing role, and in 2019, he earned his first All-Star nod, converting 25 saves. His success continued, earning him two more All-Star appearances in 2021 and 2022 with the White Sox.
But here's where it gets controversial... Hendriks' path hasn't been without challenges. In 2023, he faced a cancer diagnosis, and shortly after treatment, an elbow injury required Tommy John Surgery, keeping him off the field for an extended period. His return with the Red Sox in 2025 was tough, battling inflammation and managing a 6.59 ERA.
And this is the part most people miss... Despite these setbacks, Hendriks is back with the Twins, hoping to tap into his closing pedigree. At 37, he's an experienced veteran, and with a minor league contract and an invitation to spring training, he's got a chance to prove himself once again. Will he be able to reclaim his spot as one of the league's premier closers? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: Hendriks' story is far from over.
