The baseball world is buzzing with nostalgia and anticipation as a familiar face returns to the AL Central, reigniting memories of past glories and sparking debates about what the future holds. But here's where it gets controversial: can a seasoned veteran like Liam Hendriks still dominate the mound after battling health setbacks and time away from the game?
This winter has seen several former Kansas City Royals players find new homes, from recent departures like MJ Melendez, who landed with the Mets (https://kingsofkauffman.com/quirky-royals-mainstay-lands-with-mets-after-departure-from-kansas-city-01kh1sry9tfp), to long-gone stars like Carlos Santana, now with the D-backs (https://kingsofkauffman.com/royals-news-carlos-beltran-hof-vinnie-pasquantino-contract-carlos-santana-d-backs-01kgq8gw8t03). Among these transitions, one name stands out: Liam Hendriks, whose journey back to the Minnesota Twins has fans both excited and curious.
The Twins announced this week that Hendriks, a former Royals right-hander, is returning to the organization where his major league career began. Signed to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training (https://www.mlb.com/news/liam-hendriks-contract-twins), Hendriks’ comeback was first reported by FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray (https://x.com/ByRobertMurray/status/2021777805873467440?s=20). This move marks yet another chapter in Hendriks’ tour of the AL Central, having previously played for the Royals, White Sox, and Twins.
And this is the part most people miss: While Hendriks’ time with the Royals was brief—just 19.1 innings across six outings in 2014—it was part of a larger narrative that saw him evolve from a journeyman into one of the league’s elite closers. His stint in Kansas City, sandwiched between time with the Blue Jays and Athletics, was a mixed bag: a 4.66 ERA, 2.20 FIP, and a 17.4% strikeout rate. But it was in Oakland where Hendriks truly blossomed, posting a 3.08 ERA over five seasons and earning his first All-Star nod in 2019 after converting 25 saves.
Hendriks’ career peaked with the White Sox, where he added two more All-Star appearances in 2021 and 2022, solidifying his status as a premier closer. However, his journey hasn’t been without challenges. A cancer diagnosis in 2023, followed by Tommy John surgery after an elbow injury, sidelined him for much of the past few years. His return in 2025 with the Red Sox was marred by injuries and a 6.59 ERA, raising questions about his ability to reclaim past form.
Now, at 37, Hendriks is betting on himself to rediscover his closing magic. Whether he’ll do it with the rebuilding Twins or another team remains to be seen. But here’s the question we’re all asking: Can Hendriks defy the odds and return to dominance, or is his best baseball behind him? Let us know what you think in the comments—this is one comeback story that’s sure to spark debate.
