"The Cubs have actually had interest in Liam Hendriks many times over the years (and he was even briefly a Cub during the offseason back in 2013/14!), so they've pretty clearly always wanted to work with him. The version they're getting to work with, however, is probably someone you're hoping (1) can contribute some middle innings if everything goes absolutely perfectly, and (2) is a great leader and mentor for some young pitchers."
"Liam Hendriks, now 37, broke out as a reliever with the Blue Jays back in 2015, and then emerged as a super-duper-elite closer back in 2019 with the A's, when he was 30 years old. He ranged from very good to elite through the 2022 season (including several years with the White Sox, so he's familiar with Chicago), but unfortunately faced a cancer diagnosis thereafter. He received treatment and recovered, only to have his elbow pop shortly after his return."
"From there, Hendriks rehabbed and wound up signing a two-year deal with the Boston Red Sox, which would allow him to rehab in 2024, and then return to the mound with the Red Sox in 2025. He did return, but after a mostly underwhelming five-week run, the Red Sox put him on the IL with a hip injury, and then he later had a nerve issue in his elbow that required surgery and ended his season."
"And then from there, Hendriks signed a minor league deal with the Twins, his original organization, but was sent back out into free agency when he didn't make the Opening Day roster. He has presumably been weighing his options since then, and, hey, if you're going to land anywhere for an attempt at a comeback, there's probably no better place than with the 2026 Chicago Cubs. They're not only quite adept at finding ways to succeed in these situations, but they also (1) have"
Liam Hendriks signed a minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs. The likelihood of a major on-field impact is considered remote, but the move is viewed as enjoyable. The Cubs have shown interest in Hendriks for years, including a brief connection during the 2013/14 offseason. Hendriks previously developed into an elite closer, first breaking out with the Blue Jays in 2015 and reaching top-tier performance with the Athletics in 2019. After a cancer diagnosis, he recovered, but later suffered an elbow issue. He then dealt with additional injuries, including a hip injury and elbow nerve problems requiring surgery, limiting his 2025 season. He later signed with the Twins on a minor league deal but returned to free agency after not making the Opening Day roster.
Read at Bleacher Nation
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