White Sox Rumors: Liam Hendricks may be next to sign with South Side
After a busy couple of days, the Chicago White Sox seem to just be getting started as they are now targeting free agent closer Liam Hendriks.
First, the Chicago White Sox acquired Lance Lynn in a trade with the Texas Rangers. Then, the ChiSox signed Adam Eaton to a free agent contract. Next, the White Sox could be inking a closer to stick in the back of the bullpen. Liam Hendriks is rumored to be in the crosshairs of the South Siders as the hot stove is now starting to heat up.
The addition of a starting pitcher and a starting right fielder didn’t come cheap. Lynn was brought in at the expense of Dane Dunning, a top pitching prospect who debuted last season. Eaton was signed for $7M, after the Washington Nationals decided not to pick up his $10.5M option earlier this offseason.
With Alex Colome hitting free agency in his own right, the Sox are in need of a ninth inning guy to close things out. While they are in talks about bringing Colome back, they have also been tied to Liam Hendriks.
Lynn makes White Sox rotation elite. light. More White Sox
Hendriks is a bit of a journeyman, having pitched for four different teams during his first six years in the league. He has really come into his own during his five years with the Oakland A’s. Hendriks took on the closer role midway through 2019 and turned in an All-Star performance. He finished the year with 25 saves and a 1.80 earned run average.
In 2020 Hendriks locked down 14 saves with an ERA of 1.78 and received Cy Young and MVP consideration.
As the White Sox continue to mold their roster, Hendriks seems like a great fit to land the closer role in Chicago. The team has shown they are willing to spend a little bit of money, as the Yasmani Grandal and Dallas Kuechel contracts issued last year. MLB Trade Rumors has predicted a contract for Hendriks at 3 YRS/$30M while Jim Bowden of The Athletic predicts 3 YRS/$42M.
Next. Mark Buehrle deserves HOF consideration. dark
Depending on how the closer market shakes out, Hendriks is looking at about $10M plus annually. This fits into the Sox plans financially as they continue to build a Central Division winner.