Liam Hendriks Landing Spots: 3 best fits for ex-White Sox star after Red Sox decline $12M option

Liam Hendriks is a free agent after the Boston Red Sox declined his $12 million mutual option for the 2026 season, which included a buyout. The decision was expected following a season defined more by health management than performance.

Hendriks’ return from Tommy John surgery and treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma has been gradual, and Boston has limited his workload throughout the year.

The results were modest, but the circumstances were clear. Hendriks was attempting to pitch again after multiple major health setbacks. His broader track record remains notable.

From 2019 through 2022, he recorded more than 100 saves and earned multiple All-Star selections. Teams with bullpen openings could evaluate him as the offseason progresses.

Any deal is likely to account for recent durability concerns, with contract terms emphasizing shorter length and availability-based usage.

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Three ideal fits for Liam Hendriks

#1. San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres have continued to address bullpen depth in recent seasons. They have rotated through multiple late-inning options while adding veteran relievers behind their core group.

Liam Hendriks would be evaluated for a limited role rather than as a primary closer. San Diego has the roster depth to manage workloads and limit usage to favorable situations.

His prior experience in leverage situations is relevant for a team that plays a high volume of close games. Any consideration would hinge on medical review and how the role is outlined.

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#2. New York Yankees

The New York Yankees enter the offseason with unresolved bullpen issues after a 2025 season marked by late-inning inconsistency.

Injuries and uneven performance forced repeated changes at the back end and the team did not establish a single reliever to handle closing duties across the full year.

Liam Hendriks would be evaluated as a late-inning coverage option rather than a permanent solution. New York would not need him to take on every save opportunity. His usage could be spread across leverage situations or limited closing assignments, depending on workload and availability.

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#3. Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays have dealt with bullpen inconsistency over multiple seasons. In 2025, uneven relief performance surfaced repeatedly, particularly in close divisional games.

Addressing late-inning execution remains an offseason focus. Liam Hendriks offers experience within the division and familiarity with high-leverage situations.

Hendriks could be used in matchup-based late-inning roles alongside existing options. His history against American League East lineups provides context for how he could be deployed.

Edited by nagpaltusharn25