Liam Hendriks surprises former teammate Lucas Giolito by signing with the Red Sox
The Red Sox added three-time All-Star Liam Hendriks to a two-year, $10 million deal on Monday. The veteran is currently rehabbing back from Tommy John surgery.
Hendriks expects to pitch this season and is aiming for around the All-Star break to early August. The Australian native signing with the Red Sox came to the surprise of his former White Sox teammate Lucas Gioltio.
Hendriks arrived to JetBlue Park on Monday morning, he was first spotted by MassLive’s Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam, who broke the news of his signing.
While he was at the ballpark for his physical, Hendriks sent a text to Giolito.
“He texted me, ‘Where are you?’ I said, ‘I’m in my closet getting dressed. What do you mean?’ It was the most random thing ever," Giolito said to reporters, including WEEI’s Rob Bradford. "He said, ‘I’m in the breakfast room.’ I’m like, ‘What do you mean? What’s going on?’ I was pretty pumped. When I got here I saw him briefly. He was doing all his physical stuff. I’m sure tomorrow I will spend more time with him."
Giolito told reporters that he was not part of the process to recruit the closer to Boston. He was surprised by the news and had no idea the Red Sox were pursuing the righty in free agency.
Hendrik’s deal could reach up to $20 million with incentives. He also gives the Red Sox depth in the bullpen heading into 2025 and could be the potential closer following Kenley Jansen’s departure in free agency.
Unless the club trades Jansen before the start of the season or at the deadline.
Hendrik’s when healthy is a high-leverage bullpen arm Giolito is excited to be teammates with him again.
"Liam’s great," Giolito said. "He is going to bring a lot of energy. Obviously, he has to get right from surgery. I know he will bounce back from that. He’s a really strong guy. I know he proved it. He beat cancer to come back and play baseball. I think he’s going to bring a ton of energy. Super intense competitor. High-leverage arm. Back-end of the bullpen. It’s a great move for the club and I’m happy to have another friend here."
Giolito also added, “He has proven it. I think he won the relief pitcher of the year maybe a couple of times. He has a good track record. He comes with that high level of intensity as a closer. I have seen him shut the door so many times, both against him and with him the last few years."
