The Chicago Cubs have reportedly signed veteran reliever Liam Hendriks as they look to bolster their injury-hammered pitching staff.
According to Britt Ghiroli of The Athletic, the Cubs signed Hendriks to a minor league contract, giving them another option as they try to work through several significant injuries.
Hendriks appeared in 14 games for the Boston Red Sox last season, posting a 6.59 ERA and an 0-2 record. He struck out 12 batters and walked seven in 13.2 innings of work for Boston.
Hendriks had back-to-back strong seasons with the White Sox in 2021 and 2022, with a total of 75 saves and a record of 12-7 in those campaigns. He was named an American League All-Star in both seasons, and finished eighth in Cy Young voting during the 2021 season with the Sox.
In 2023, Hendriks was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, undergoing treatment and returning to the White Sox bullpen in May. He made five appearances for the White Sox before being placed on the injured list with elbow inflammation, and he underwent Tommy John surgery later that summer.
He signed a two-year contract with the Red Sox after that season, and his contract option was declined after the conclusion of the 2025 campaign.
He has 116 career saves in 218 appearances across parts of 14 seasons.
Hendriks had spent spring training with the Minnesota Twins before being released just before Opening Day.
The Cubs have had to deal with a slew of injuries in their starting rotation and their bullpen, which has required them to move Ben Brown back into a starting role and to scramble to find arms to replace players like Caleb Thielbar, among others.
The signing has not yet been confirmed by the Cubs, and it’s unclear where Hendriks will be assigned within the team’s system.
