Liam Hendriks Returns to Minnesota on Minor League Deal

Liam Hendriks is set to make his MLB comeback with the Minnesota Twins, the organization where he first debuted in 2011, after agreeing to a minor league deal, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman. The 37-year-old reliever will attend Major League camp as part of the agreement, giving him a chance to compete for a roster spot. Hendriks spent his early career in Minnesota before playing for Toronto, Kansas City, Oakland, Chicago, and Boston, earning a reputation as one of the league’s premier bullpen arms.

Hendriks’ return to Minnesota has already sparked excitement among fans online. Many praised the move as a homecoming and expressed optimism about his potential impact despite recent injury struggles. Comments ranged from admiration for his past dominance to cautious hope that his elbow will hold up, reflecting both nostalgia and awareness of his recent durability concerns.

During his peak years with the Athletics and White Sox from 2019 to 2022, Hendriks made four All-Star teams and compiled a 2.26 ERA with 114 saves in 226 appearances. His overall career record stands at 33-36 with a 3.88 ERA and 116 saves over 490 games, cementing his status as one of the league’s most reliable closers when healthy.

Despite his past dominance, Hendriks’ recent seasons have been hampered by injuries. He missed the entire 2024 season, appeared in just five games in 2023, and only 14 games in 2025. His latest deal with Minnesota represents an opportunity to prove that he still has the ability to contribute at the major league level.

1. A Familiar Face in Minnesota

Hendriks’ journey in professional baseball began with the Twins, where he pitched his first three MLB seasons. His familiarity with the organization and the city adds a sentimental element to the reunion. Fans have responded positively to the news, celebrating the return of a player many view as having unfinished business in Minnesota. The deal is structured as a minor league contract with an invitation to Major League spring training, giving Hendriks a chance to earn a spot on the 40-man roster. For the Twins, it’s a low-risk gamble on a veteran arm that could provide bullpen depth and mentorship to younger pitchers. The move also resonates with fans who remember Hendriks’ early promise in Minnesota. Social media commentary has reflected a mix of cautious optimism and excitement. Many see the signing as a sentimental homecoming, while others are intrigued by the chance to see whether Hendriks can regain even a portion of his former dominance. This combination of nostalgia and practical roster considerations underscores the deal’s appeal. The Twins’ bullpen has been an area of focus during the offseason, and Hendriks’ return offers a potential veteran stabilizer. If healthy, he could fill a late-inning role while providing guidance to younger relievers in the organization.

2. Career Highlights and Challenges

Hendriks’ peak years with Oakland and Chicago established him as one of the game’s elite closers. From 2019 to 2022, he posted a 2.26 ERA, recorded 114 saves, and appeared in 226 games, earning All-Star honors each season. His strikeout ability and consistency in high-leverage situations were hallmarks of his success. However, injuries have significantly curtailed his recent production. Elbow and shoulder issues limited him to just 19 total appearances over the last two seasons, creating uncertainty about his durability and effectiveness at the major league level. These setbacks have tempered expectations for his return, even among supportive fans. Despite the challenges, Hendriks’ signing with Minnesota provides a path to prove that he can still contribute at a high level. The minor league deal allows him to demonstrate health and effectiveness before potentially rejoining the Twins’ major league bullpen. For Hendriks, this is more than a roster move—it’s a chance to revisit the place where his MLB career began and show that he can still impact games at the highest level.

3. Looking Ahead

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The Twins will evaluate Hendriks during spring training to determine whether he can earn a role on the big league roster. If he proves capable, he could provide crucial late-inning support and veteran leadership for a bullpen that has experienced turnover in recent years. For Hendriks personally, the return to Minnesota is a homecoming and an opportunity to rewrite the narrative of his career after several injury-plagued seasons. Success this spring could lead to meaningful contributions during the regular season and help extend a career that has already featured All-Star honors and elite closing performances. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Hendriks can recapture even a portion of the dominance that made him one of baseball’s most reliable relievers from 2019 through 2022. His performance in spring training will be the first step in determining whether this reunion can translate into on-field success. Veteran reliever Liam Hendriks has returned to Minnesota on a minor league deal, aiming to prove he can still contribute to the Twins after an injury-filled stretch.