Chicago — The White Sox rejected their $15 million option for the 2024 season in favor of paying $1.5 million in each of the ensuing ten years as part of Liam Hendriks’ buyout, leaving the closer without a team at this time.
Hendriks’ continued recuperation from Tommy John surgery, which was performed on August 2 and may keep the right-hander out for the majority of the 2017 season, was the main factor in that decision. Hendriks, though, has a solid plan for both the present and the future. Right now, he sees a return around the ’24 Trade Deadline, which is sooner than the anticipated 12 to 14 months.
Hendriks laughed as he remarked, “I’m giving them a target date,” during our phone conversation on Monday.
“In a major league game, on a major league mound,” his spouse, Kristi, stated during the same phone call. Everyone is aware of that about Liam. He is not here to take his time.
After undergoing surgery, the three-time All-Star, who recorded 75 saves for the White Sox in 2021–2022 seasons, finds that his profession is both fascinating and hard. Who knows what will be possible after his injured ulnar collateral ligament is fully repaired? He was able to throw at speeds of 98 to 100 mph.
However, Hendriks’ victory over Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s cancer last season still takes precedence over his recuperation. As he revealed on Instagram, the sneaky sickness entered remission on April 20. Hendriks triumphantly returned home on May 29.
Despite just pitching five innings in five games—more than a few strikeouts with the bases loaded or a return from an injury—Hendriks’ valiant effort won him two American League Comeback Player of the Year Awards.
Hendriks remarked, “My wife and those close to me have been reminding me, it’s bigger than just missing two months.” This has nothing to do with baseball alone. .. “You were essentially fighting for your life, and now you’re doing things off the field as well as what you can do to get back onto a big league field.” That was awesome. I found that to be extremely special.
Hendriks’ six-month cancer scan came back clear in October, and he’s continuing his elbow rehabilitation. Hendriks was a good clubhouse influence for a young team and a young bullpen, and the White Sox paying him $15 million for not pitching for much of ’24 led to the decision that he could not work at the White Sox facility any longer. He called this a “coin flip.”
After general manager Chris Getz broke the news ahead of the White Sox organizational meetings at Camelback Ranch in late October, Hendriks has been in contact with other organizations. Hendriks stated that the Cubs were one of such clubs.
Thus, Hendriks remarked, “there’s always that.” They were one of the teams that contacted out very early on, but nothing significant has come up in any of our interactions.
Clearly, we’re not in a hurry. My timeline is still the same. In April, I won’t be prepared. Teams are ensuring that they have put up their primary component for 2024. Some clubs have called and said, “Once it heats up, let us know.”
Hendriks intends to start throwing a ball soon and is not too far away from adding weight to his hand when throwing dry. Once that procedure starts, he’ll know his timetable better.
Right now, not much is worth writing home about. You visit PT and then return. Hendriks stated, “You unwind and sit on the couch, and then your wife yells at you for sitting on the couch for too long.” “It’s awful, and I’m losing out on time. However, as for a career, who knows?
“Next year, I’ll be starting my 35-year-old season, and for the first time, I have a new arm that can do its job. I have a new elbow and a positive outlook on the future, so I’m eager to see where it goes. I also think I’ll be able to recuperate more quickly.