Former White Sox closer Liam Hendriks is heading back to the AL Central after signing a minor league deal with the Minnesota Twins.
During the last contention window for the Chicago White Sox, there were few players on the South Side more popular than closer Liam Hendriks.
Originally joining Chicago on a three-year, $54 million contract before the 2021 season, Hendriks brought a fire to the ballpark that resonated with both his teammates and the fans.
As the White Sox won the AL Central in 2021, Hendriks posted a 2.54 ERA, an 8–3 record, and an American League-best 38 saves. That season earned him the Mariano Rivera Reliever of the Year Award and his second career All-Star nod.
He followed it up in 2022 with another All-Star-caliber season and 37 saves, despite the White Sox crashing back to earth as a team.
There were clear clubhouse issues as the White Sox slowly came apart at the seams. But Hendriks always seemed to be a consistent, positive voice who pushed for a better culture.
It was the edge, swagger, and intensity he brought to a young roster still learning how to win. The imposing presence on the mound from a pitcher who wore his emotions on his sleeve. Hendriks wasn’t afraid to scream after a strikeout, bark at opposing hitters, or celebrate a big win.
He and his wife, Kristi, were also meaningful contributors to charitable efforts in Chicago.
In January 2023, Hendriks announced he had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He kicked cancer’s butt and swiftly returned to pitch in May 2023, only to later go down with a torn UCL that required Tommy John surgery.
Through it all, he handled everything with grace.
He was a fan favorite in Chicago for a reason. And Hendriks will always have a special place in the hearts of many Sox fans.
But unfortunately, he’ll be pitching for one of their biggest rivals in 2026.
Hendriks agreed to terms on a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins this week. The move brings him back to the organization he started with after signing as a teenager out of Australia.
Hendriks rose through the Twins’ minor league system as a starting pitcher before making his MLB debut in 2011. It wasn’t until after he left Minnesota that he transitioned to a relief role and began what has become a tremendous 15-year career.
It’s possible to root for Liam Hendriks’ success without rooting for the Twins. I know I’ll be doing that this season, and I’m sure plenty of White Sox fans will feel the same way.
Still, if he manages to crack the big league roster, every time he pitches against the White Sox will stir up good — yet painful — memories of what he meant to the South Side.
Hendriks represents an era of White Sox baseball that the fan base misses dearly.