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Liam Hendriks Free Agency: Where Will the Veteran Reliever Land?

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, December 28th 2025 at 9:18 GMT by sportskeeda.com

The Free Agent Pursuit of Liam Hendriks: Where Will the Reliever Land After a Difficult Year?

Liam Hendriks, once one of baseball's most dominant relievers, finds himself in an intriguing free agency situation after a challenging 2023 season and a significant setback related to cancer treatment. The former White Sox closer is seeking a new team for 2024, but his market isn’t as straightforward as it might have been just a couple of years ago. While the Boston Red Sox declined their $12 million option on him, creating immediate free agency, several teams are still considering bringing in the veteran arm. This article will explore Hendriks' situation and analyze three potential landing spots based on recent reporting from Sportskeeda and surrounding baseball analysis.

A Rocky 2023 and a Health Journey:

Hendriks’ journey over the past year has been marked by both professional struggles and personal battles. He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in December 2022, undergoing treatment throughout much of 2023. While he returned to pitch for the White Sox, his performance wasn't close to his previous elite level. In 27 appearances, Hendriks posted a concerning 5.80 ERA and a WHIP of 1.42, significantly below his usual standards. This drop in effectiveness, coupled with concerns about how the ongoing health monitoring might impact his availability and performance, has understandably impacted teams’ willingness to commit significant resources. The Sportskeeda article highlights that Hendriks is currently undergoing further tests related to his cancer treatment, adding another layer of uncertainty to his free agency.

The Red Sox Decline: A Signal or a Strategic Move?

The Boston Red Sox's decision to decline Hendriks’ $12 million option was a notable development. While it might seem harsh given his health journey, the move likely reflects a combination of factors. As Sportskeeda points out, the team has budgetary constraints and needs to prioritize other areas of their roster. More importantly, they clearly had reservations about Hendriks' ability to return to form after his cancer treatment and subsequent recovery process. The article suggests that even with the option decline, Boston remains open to re-signing him on a more modest deal – a testament to his past contributions and potential upside if he can regain his previous effectiveness. However, any future agreement would likely require significant concessions from Hendriks regarding salary and potentially incentives tied to performance and health milestones.

Three Potential Landing Spots:

Let’s examine three teams that could realistically pursue Liam Hendriks:

1. Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers are consistently among the top contenders in baseball and have a demonstrated willingness to take calculated risks on players with question marks, particularly when those players possess significant upside. Sportskeeda identifies the Dodgers as a strong possibility, citing their need for bullpen reinforcements after losing key relievers during the 2023 season. Their deep pockets allow them to absorb potential risk, and Hendriks' experience in high-leverage situations would be valuable. The Dodgers’ analytical approach could also help them assess Hendriks’ current capabilities and tailor a role that maximizes his strengths while minimizing any limitations stemming from his health journey. They are known for being patient with players returning from injury or illness, which could benefit Hendriks as he works towards regaining his peak form.

2. Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles, emerging as a legitimate contender in the American League East, represent another intriguing possibility. Their bullpen was surprisingly strong in 2023, but adding a veteran presence like Hendriks could provide stability and depth. The Sportskeeda article suggests that Baltimore's willingness to take on projects with upside aligns well with Hendriks’ situation. The team is built around younger players and might be willing to offer Hendriks a lower-risk, potentially performance-based contract. Furthermore, the Orioles have demonstrated a commitment to supporting players facing personal challenges, which could create a supportive environment for Hendriks as he navigates his ongoing health management.

3. San Francisco Giants: The Giants are another team in need of bullpen help and often look for experienced arms to bolster their roster. While they’ve been hesitant to spend big in the past, Hendriks' potential availability at a more reasonable price point could make him an attractive option. The Sportskeeda piece notes that the Giants have a history of signing veteran relievers, suggesting a comfort level with taking on players who might be past their prime but still possess valuable experience and skills. Like the Dodgers, San Francisco’s analytics department would likely scrutinize Hendriks' data to determine his potential role and impact.

The Key Factor: Health and Performance Expectations:

Ultimately, Liam Hendriks’ free agency hinges on two crucial factors: his health and his ability to pitch effectively. His ongoing medical evaluations will significantly influence teams’ comfort level in pursuing him. Even if he is cleared to play, expectations need to be realistic. A return to his 2019-2021 dominance seems unlikely, but a solid middle-relief role with occasional high-leverage opportunities could still provide valuable contributions. The Sportskeeda article emphasizes that Hendriks will likely have to accept a more team-friendly contract – one that reflects the uncertainties surrounding his health and performance – to secure a deal.

Hendriks’ journey is a testament to resilience both on and off the field. While his free agency presents unique challenges, several teams remain interested in adding his experience and potential to their rosters. The coming weeks will be crucial as he navigates this process and seeks a new chapter in his baseball career.

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