What Happened to Liam Johnson Hendriks?
Liam Hendriks is an Australian professional baseball pitcher whose career has been marked by significant achievements, including multiple All-Star selections, and a remarkable comeback from Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2023. Following his recovery, his career has faced further setbacks due to elbow and hip injuries, leading to multiple surgeries. As of May 2026, he is attempting another return to the major leagues after signing a minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs.
Quick Answer
Liam Hendriks, a three-time MLB All-Star pitcher, made a celebrated return to baseball in May 2023 after successfully battling Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. However, his comeback was short-lived due to Tommy John surgery in August 2023, followed by hip and elbow issues in 2025. After being released by the Minnesota Twins in March 2026, Hendriks signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs on May 13, 2026, as he continues to work towards rejoining a major league roster.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Born in Perth, Australia
Liam Johnson Hendriks was born in Perth, Western Australia.
MLB Debut with Minnesota Twins
Hendriks made his Major League Baseball debut as a starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins.
First All-Star Selection
After transitioning to a full-time relief role, Hendriks earned his first career All-Star selection while pitching for the Oakland Athletics.
Signs with Chicago White Sox
Hendriks signed a three-year, $54 million contract with the Chicago White Sox, with a club option for a fourth year, becoming their closer.
Diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Hendriks was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma after noticing lumps in his neck and hips during the 2022 season. He announced his diagnosis publicly in January 2023.
Announces He is Cancer-Free
After undergoing chemotherapy and immunotherapy, Hendriks announced he was cancer-free, completing his treatment.
Emotional MLB Return with White Sox
Hendriks made an emotional return to the mound for the Chicago White Sox, receiving a standing ovation, just months after his cancer diagnosis.
Undergoes Tommy John Surgery
After only five appearances, Hendriks underwent Tommy John surgery for a torn UCL in his right elbow, ending his 2023 season and putting his 2024 season in jeopardy.
Becomes Free Agent
The Chicago White Sox declined their club option for Hendriks, making him a free agent.
Signs with Boston Red Sox
Hendriks signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Boston Red Sox, though he started the season on the injured list recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Activated by Red Sox, Makes Season Debut
The Red Sox activated Hendriks from the injured list, allowing him to make his return from injury and debut for Boston.
Undergoes Ulnar Nerve Transposition Surgery
Hendriks underwent ulnar nerve transposition surgery on his right elbow, further complicating his return to consistent play.
Red Sox Decline 2026 Option
The Boston Red Sox declined Hendriks' $12 million mutual option for 2026, making him a free agent.
Signs Minor League Deal with Minnesota Twins
Hendriks signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins, his original MLB team, and was invited to spring training.
Released by Minnesota Twins
The Twins granted Hendriks his release after he triggered an opt-out clause in his minor league contract, following his spring training performance.
Signs Minor League Deal with Chicago Cubs
Liam Hendriks signed a minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs, seeking another opportunity to return to the major leagues.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Liam Hendriks, born February 10, 1989, in Perth, Australia, established himself as one of Major League Baseball's premier relief pitchers. After debuting with the Minnesota Twins in 2011, he found consistent success later in his career, particularly with the Oakland Athletics and Chicago White Sox. He earned three All-Star selections (2019, 2021, 2022) and was named the American League's Reliever of the Year in both 2020 and 2021, leading the AL in saves in 2021.
His career took a dramatic turn in December 2022 when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, an announcement he made public in January 2023. Hendriks underwent intensive chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments at the Mayo Clinic. Remarkably, he announced he was cancer-free in April 2023 and made an emotional return to the mound for the Chicago White Sox on May 29, 2023, receiving a standing ovation. This inspiring comeback earned him the AL Comeback Player of the Year Award for the 2023 season.
However, his return was cut short. After just five appearances, Hendriks was placed on the injured list with elbow inflammation in June 2023, and on August 2, 2023, it was announced he would undergo Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the remainder of the 2023 season and effectively ending his tenure with the White Sox as they declined his 2024 club option.
In February 2024, Hendriks signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Boston Red Sox, though he began the season on the 60-day injured list while recovering from his surgery. He made his Red Sox debut on April 19, 2025, but struggled in 14 appearances, posting a 6.59 ERA. Further injury woes followed, with a stint on the injured list for right hip inflammation in May 2025, and ulnar nerve transposition surgery on his right elbow in September 2025. The Red Sox declined his $12 million mutual option for 2026, making him a free agent in November 2025.
Seeking another comeback, Hendriks signed a minor league contract with his original team, the Minnesota Twins, in February 2026, receiving an invitation to spring training. Despite a 3.86 ERA in seven spring appearances, the Twins released him on March 20, 2026, after he triggered an opt-out clause. On May 13, 2026, Hendriks signed a minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs, continuing his determined effort to return to the major league level.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Liam Johnson Hendriks made different choices?