Red Sox Land Star Closer Liam Hendriks on Two-Year Deal
The Boston Red Sox have made a significant move to bolster their bullpen, reportedly agreeing to a two-year deal with right-handed reliever Liam Hendriks, per multiple reports including MLB sources. The contract includes a mutual option for the 2026 season, giving both sides flexibility beyond the initial deal.
This signing marks a major acquisition for the Red Sox, who have been looking to solidify their late-inning pitching after struggling with bullpen consistency in recent seasons. Hendriks, a three-time All-Star and one of the most dominant closers in baseball over the past five years, brings not only elite talent but also a fiery competitiveness that Boston fans will undoubtedly appreciate.
A Proven Closer Joins the Red Sox
Hendriks, 35, has established himself as one of the top relief pitchers in the game. Known for his electric fastball, devastating slider, and intense mound presence, he has consistently delivered in high-pressure situations.
His track record speaks for itself:
- Three-time All-Star (2019, 2021, 2022)
- Two-time AL Reliever of the Year (2020, 2021)
- Career 3.81 ERA with 116 saves
- ERA under 3.00 in four of the past five seasons
Over the past few seasons, Hendriks has been the type of dominant closer that teams dream of having. His ability to rack up strikeouts—often over 13 per nine innings—makes him a perfect fit for a Red Sox bullpen that needed a true shutdown arm at the back end.
Boston’s Bullpen Takes Shape
The Red Sox have had their fair share of bullpen struggles in recent years, often lacking a consistent closer who could shut the door in the ninth inning. With Hendriks now in the mix, Boston has a proven finisher to handle those late-game situations.
This move is even more important considering Boston’s recent approach to their pitching staff. Rather than investing in expensive starting pitchers, the front office has placed an emphasis on building a strong bullpen to shorten games and maximize matchups.
With Hendriks anchoring the relief corps, Boston’s bullpen could shape up as follows:
- Closer: Liam Hendriks
- Setup Men: Kenley Jansen, Chris Martin
- Middle Relief: John Schreiber, Brennan Bernardino
- Lefty Specialists: Joely Rodríguez, Richard Bleier
- Long Relief: Garrett Whitlock, Tanner Houck (depending on role)
Adding Hendriks to a bullpen that already includes veteran closer Kenley Jansen and elite setup man Chris Martin gives the Red Sox one of the best late-game combinations in the American League.
Hendriks’ Journey and Comeback Story
This signing is even more remarkable considering Hendriks’ recent battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Diagnosed in late 2022, he underwent treatment and made an inspirational return to the mound for the Chicago White Sox in May 2023. His perseverance and determination were widely praised across Major League Baseball, and his comeback was one of the most memorable moments of the season.
Now, fully recovered and ready for a fresh start in Boston, Hendriks is set to prove once again why he is one of the best relievers in the game.
Why This Move Makes Sense for Boston
The Red Sox have been in a bit of a transition phase, trying to remain competitive in the AL East while also looking toward the future. Adding a proven closer like Hendriks signals that Boston is serious about contending and fixing one of its biggest weaknesses.
Here’s why this deal makes sense:
- Stabilizes the Closer Role – Boston has shuffled through multiple closers in recent years, from Matt Barnes to Kenley Jansen. Hendriks provides stability and reliability at the position.
- Takes Pressure Off Other Relievers – With Hendriks locking down the ninth, pitchers like Jansen and Martin can be used in more flexible roles, making the bullpen even more effective.
- A Perfect Fit for Fenway – Hendriks’ high-strikeout approach plays well in any ballpark, but especially in a place like Fenway Park, where preventing balls in play is crucial.
- Veteran Leadership – The Red Sox have a relatively young pitching staff, and Hendriks brings valuable experience and a winning mentality to the clubhouse.
- Team-Friendly Contract – A two-year deal with a mutual option for 2026 gives Boston flexibility without committing long-term dollars, making this a smart financial move as well.
Red Sox Fans React to the Signing
As expected, Red Sox Nation has responded enthusiastically to the signing. Boston fans have long admired Hendriks’ intensity and passion on the mound, and now they’ll get to see it firsthand in a Red Sox uniform.
Social media was flooded with excitement following the announcement, with many fans thrilled to have a true shutdown closer in Beantown.
“Absolutely love this move! Hendriks is a beast, and our bullpen just got a whole lot better.” – RedSoxFan98 on Twitter
“Can’t wait to see Hendriks bring that fire to Fenway! Our bullpen was a weakness, now it might be a strength!” – SoxLifer on Instagram
Even MLB analysts praised the deal, calling it one of the smartest free-agent signings of the offseason.
Final Thoughts: A Game-Changing Move for Boston
Liam Hendriks signing with the Boston Red Sox is a game-changing move for a team looking to get back into contention. His presence immediately transforms the bullpen from a question mark into a strength, giving the Red Sox a legitimate closer who thrives in high-pressure moments.
For Hendriks, this is a fresh start and an opportunity to compete in one of the most passionate baseball cities in America. For Boston, it’s a signal that they are serious about winning now.
If Hendriks can continue his dominance, the Red Sox just might have found the missing piece to their bullpen puzzle.