Baseball fans, get ready for a comeback story that’s as inspiring as it is controversial! Former Boston Red Sox reliever Liam Hendriks is back in the game, but not where you’d expect. After a tumultuous two-year stint with the Red Sox, marked by injuries and setbacks, Hendriks has found a new home with the Minnesota Twins, the very team where his MLB journey began—though not in the way you might remember. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this a smart move for the Twins, or are they taking a gamble on a player whose best days might be behind him? Let’s dive in.
Hendriks, a three-time All-Star and former American League Cy Young Award contender, signed a minor-league deal with the Twins, as first reported by FanSided’s Robert Murray. The contract includes an invite to spring training, giving the 37-year-old a chance to prove he’s still got what it takes. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand notes that this low-risk move could pay off big if Hendriks regains his form. But this is the part most people miss: Hendriks’ journey to this point has been anything but straightforward.
After joining the Red Sox in 2024 while recovering from Tommy John surgery, Hendriks struggled to find his footing. He missed the entire 2024 season and made just 14 relief appearances in 2025, posting a disappointing 6.59 ERA. His Red Sox tenure ended abruptly in September 2025 with elbow surgery, followed by the team declining his $12 million option in November, opting instead for a $2 million buyout. It’s a far cry from his peak years, like 2021 with the Chicago White Sox, when he led the AL with a career-high 38 saves.
But here’s the twist: Hendriks’ return to the Twins is a full-circle moment. He made his MLB debut with Minnesota in 2011—as a starting pitcher. It didn’t go well, with a 6.06 ERA in 30 games. Since then, he’s been on a wild ride, bouncing from the Twins to the Cubs, Orioles, Blue Jays, Royals, and eventually the A’s, where he finally found his groove as a reliever. After five years in Oakland, he signed a massive $54 million deal with the White Sox, cementing his status as one of the game’s top closers.
Now, with 114 career saves under his belt, Hendriks joins a Twins team that finished fourth in the AL Central last season with a 70-92 record. The question is: Can he still be the game-changer he once was? And this is where opinions will clash. Some say his age and recent injuries make him a risky bet, while others believe his experience and track record are worth the gamble. What do you think? Is Hendriks’ return to the Twins a stroke of genius or a desperate move? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
About the Author: Mike Rosenstein is a Boston-born, award-winning multimedia journalist with three decades of experience in newsrooms, control rooms, and classrooms. His work combines a deep love for baseball with a knack for storytelling that keeps readers engaged.
