This isn’t a huge surprise as the Chicago White Sox have officially declined Liam Hendriks’ 2024 option. What’s interesting and unique about the closer’s contract with the White Sox is that no matter what he’s still going to get paid $15 million. The only difference is that the veteran pitcher will now receive that money over a longer period of time rather than getting that salary in 2024.
Hendriks, who won his battle Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, returned to the White Sox in late May of 2023. Unfortunately, Hendriks suffered an army injury in June and then in early August the team announced that he had Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow. Hendriks is now officially a free agent.
During his three years with the White Sox, Hendriks recorded a 2.76 ERA in 133.2 innings. The right-handed closer saved 76 games with the White Sox and led the American League with 38 saves during the 2021 season. Hendriks won back-to-back American League Reliever of the Year awards in 2021 and 2022, while also earning All-Star Game honors in those seasons.
On Thursday, Hendriks was named 2023 American League Comeback Player of the Year.
Hendriks is hopeful to return from his Tommy John surgery by the end of the 2024 season.
According to Spotrac, the White Sox will pay Hendriks $1.5 million from 2024-2033.
Hendriks deserves to be with a real MLB team.