The Chicago Cubs have reportedly secured a minor league agreement with veteran right-handed pitcher Liam Hendriks, a three-time All-Star. This acquisition signals the team's interest in bolstering their pitching depth with an experienced arm. Hendriks is anticipated to begin his tenure with the Cubs' Triple-A affiliate in Iowa, working towards a potential return to the major leagues.
Liam Hendriks' journey back to the mound has been marked by significant challenges, including a battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and recovery from Tommy John surgery. Despite these setbacks, his career achievements, including leading the American League in saves, highlight his past dominance. His signing with the Cubs offers an opportunity for a seasoned talent to contribute once again, provided he regains his form.
Hendriks Joins Cubs on Minor League Pact
Veteran right-handed relief pitcher Liam Hendriks, a three-time American League All-Star, has reportedly inked a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs organization. The Athletic initially broke the news on Wednesday, with several other reputable sports outlets corroborating the report. Hendriks, at 37 years old, is slated to report to the Triple-A Iowa affiliate, indicating a pathway through the minor league system before a potential call-up to the major league roster. This move by the Cubs signifies a low-risk, high-reward investment in a pitcher with a proven track record, hoping he can return to his previous elite form and provide a significant boost to their bullpen.
This signing comes after Hendriks' recent stint with the Minnesota Twins during spring training, which concluded with his release when he was informed he would not secure a spot on their final roster. Prior to his time with the Twins, Hendriks spent the previous season with the Boston Red Sox, where he posted a 0-2 record with a 6.59 ERA across 14 appearances in relief. His career, however, boasts considerable success, highlighted by his All-Star selections in 2019, 2021, and 2022. Notably, he led the American League with an impressive 38 saves for the Chicago White Sox in 2021, showcasing his ability to close out games effectively. The Cubs are undoubtedly banking on Hendriks' experience and past performance, should he prove his health and effectiveness in the minors.
Comeback Trail: Health and Performance
Liam Hendriks' recent years have been a testament to his resilience, as he has faced and overcome significant personal and professional hurdles. The right-hander missed a portion of the 2023 season while undergoing treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a battle he successfully won. Following his recovery from cancer, Hendriks then faced another major setback, missing the entire 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery. These events underscore the arduous path he has taken to return to competitive baseball. His determination to continue playing, despite these challenges, is a compelling narrative for both the player and the Cubs organization, who are now providing him with an opportunity to revive his career.
Throughout his extensive career, Hendriks has compiled a respectable 33-36 record with 116 saves and a 3.88 ERA over 490 career games, including 44 starts. His journey has taken him through several major league teams, including the Minnesota Twins (2011-13), Kansas City Royals (2014), Toronto Blue Jays (2014-15), Oakland Athletics (2016-20), Chicago White Sox (2021-23), and most recently, the Boston Red Sox (2025). This depth of experience across various ballclubs demonstrates his adaptability and longevity in the highly competitive world of professional baseball. The Cubs' decision to sign him reflects a belief in his potential to contribute, even after enduring significant health and injury challenges, banking on his veteran presence and past performance to eventually benefit their bullpen