Liam Hendriks is getting another chance to work his way back to the majors.
The veteran reliever signed a minor league deal with the Cubs on Wednesday after being let go by the Twins before Opening Day, giving Chicago a low-risk opportunity to evaluate whether the former All-Star closer still has something left in the tank.
Hendriks, 37, struggled during a brief stint with Minnesota in spring training, allowing three earned runs while surrendering nine hits and five walks across seven appearances before his release.
“It’s, you know, essentially, just depth right now and taking a shot at somebody who’s had a lot of success and see what happens,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said, per MLB.com. “He’s going to have a ways to build up.”
Liam Hendriks of the Minnesota Twins throws a pitch during the fourth inning of a spring training game against the Boston Red Sox at Lee Health Sports Complex on March 12, 2026 in Fort Myers, Florida. Diamond Images/Getty Images The signing marks another chapter in one of baseball’s most remarkable comeback stories.
Hendriks was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma after the 2022 season and made a triumphant return to the mound in 2023 after completing treatment.
That comeback was short-lived, however, as Hendriks underwent Tommy John surgery after making just five appearances that season, sidelining him for most of 2024.
He returned to the majors last year with the Red Sox but struggled to regain his old form, posting a 6.59 ERA across 14 appearances.
At his peak, Hendriks was one of baseball’s most dominant relievers, earning three All-Star selections while recording 114 saves from 2019-22 with the A’s and White Sox.
The Cubs’ bullpen has been hit hard by injuries, with Caleb Thielbar, Hunter Harvey and Riley Martin all currently sitting on the IL.
Liam Hendriks of the Boston Red Sox walks to the dugout during the sixth inning of game one of a doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts on May 24, 2025. Getty Images Justin Steele (elbow) and Matthew Boyd (knee) are both on the IL, while Cade Horton will miss the rest of the season after Tommy John.
Despite injury troubles, the Cubs are sitting at 27-15 in first place in the NL Central heading into Wednesday’s play.
