Former Blue Jays reliever a free agent after Red Sox decline mutual option
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Liam Hendriks is back on the market.
The All-star closer is now a free agent after the Boston Red Sox declined to pick up their $12MM mutual option for 2026. Instead, Hendriks will take a $2MM buyout and make himself available to all teams.
Boston signed the Australian to a two-year deal back in February 2024, but Hendriks ended up missing his first season while recovering from injury.
Multiple reports now that Liam Hendriks is a free agent after #RedSox passed on their end of a mutual option. He'll get a $2 million buyout.
Hendriks, 36, made 14 appearances with BOS this past season. Has been in 19 #MLB games since end of 2022 campaign.
Hendriks, 36, made 14 appearances with BOS this past season. Has been in 19 #MLB games since end of 2022 campaign.
His final year in Chicago also came as he recovered from cancer.
Although he became known as a successful closer, it's easy to forget that Hendriks began his career as a starting pitcher. He made his debut as a member of the rotation for the Minnesota Twins.
It did not go well and after three seasons he was claimed off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays. He made three starts for Toronto before being traded to the Kansas City Royals.
He was dealt back to the Blue Jays prior to the 2015 season and began his transition to the bullpen, appearing in 58 games with a 2.92 ERA, before being shipped to the Athletics after the Jays legendary playoff run.
Hendriks trying to stay healthy
After missing all of 2024, Hendriks threw only 13.2 innings for Boston in 2025 and will focus on staying healthy for upcoming season.
While it's certainly possible that, due to his past success, he gets a major league deal, a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training is also on the cards.
Hendriks will be entering his age 37 season.
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