Cubs Sign Former White Sox Closer Liam Hendriks to Minors Deal -

"The Cubs have reportedly signed former White Sox closer Liam Hendriks to a minor league deal. That news was first reported by Britt Ghiroli of The Athletic and subsequently confirmed by Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma. The 37-year-old righty was a free agent after being granted his release from the Twins when he learned he would not make the team out of spring training."

"Hendriks is no stranger to comebacks, having previously beaten Hodgkin's Lymphoma and then undergoing UCL reconstruction, costing him most of the last three seasons. He saved 114 games for the A's and White Sox from 2019-22 with a 97-98 mph fastball and wicked slider, but the velocity and stuff have understandably tailed off in recent seasons. In 13.2 innings over 14 appearances with the Red Sox last year, he sat just under 95 mph and had a 6.59 ERA with 12 strikeouts and seven walks."

"If he's able to rediscover some of that old form, which certainly isn't impossible, Hendriks could end up getting some time in a bullpen that has been ravaged by injuries. For those who believe the reliever is too old for that, consider that Jacob deGrom is about eight months older and still averaging 97 mph as a starter. That said, I remain skeptical based on all the other factors involved."

"Still, the Cubs have a need and Hendriks has a desire to give it another go. It'd be one helluva story if he can figure it out."

The Cubs reportedly signed former White Sox closer Liam Hendriks to a minor league deal. The 37-year-old right-hander became a free agent after being released by the Twins when he learned he would not make the team out of spring training. Hendriks has previously returned from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and later underwent UCL reconstruction, which limited him for much of the last three seasons. From 2019-22, he saved 114 games for the Athletics and White Sox with a 97-98 mph fastball and a sharp slider. In 2024 with the Red Sox, he posted a 6.59 ERA over 13.2 innings, with 12 strikeouts and seven walks. If he regains form, he could help an injury-ravaged bullpen, though skepticism remains.

Read at Cubsinsider