New Red Sox reliever aiming to return by the trade deadline
Liam Hendriks officially signed a two-year contract with the Red Sox on Tuesday. The three-time All-Star is rehabbing back from surgery and has an aggressive goal of being back by the trade deadline to help the club’s bullpen this season.
Hendriks told reporters he is aiming to be back by July 30 which would be less than a year following elbow reconstruction surgery.
“That’s my goal. That’s 12 months-ish,” Hendriks said.
“Throwing has been going well. These guys got a chance to see me throw for the first time today. They seemed pleased with what I was doing. It seems pretty normal to me. Now, it’s just a matter of me getting to poke and prod them to get to go as fast as I can and them trying to rein me back in a safe way to do things.”
Red Sox skipper Alex Cora wouldn’t put a timetable on Hendriks return to the team. Recovery from Tommy John surgery can usually take anywhere between 12-18 months. Based off Hendriks deal, the expectation is he will greater impact the 2025 bullpen than 2024.
Hendriks’ new deal with the Red Sox is a two-year, $10 million deal structured so there is no pressure to push himself to return for 2024. The Australian closer will earn $2 million in 2024, but his 2025 salary varies based off of how he pitches.
Hendriks base salary for 2025 will be for $6 million with an additional $10 million in incentives available for him to earn. The deal also includes a $12 million mutual option for 2026 with a $2 million buyout.
The Red Sox new relievers deal gives the Red Sox an option to close games in 2025. Current closer Kenley Jansen is a free agent at the end of the current season. There’s a strong chance that Jansen could still be traded before the start of the season or at the trade deadline.
“We’ll take care of (Hendriks) this year and he’ll take care of the organization toward the end of the season and next year,” said Cora. “When he’s healthy, he’s really, really good. His story is amazing. It’s uplifting for everybody. He was the first one today here.”
Hendriks plans to rehab in Boston and spend the beginning of the season around his new teammates. Cora and the Sox’ new reliever thinks the club will benefit from his energy while in Fort Myers.
“I realized I was away from a clubhouse a little bit longer last year than most,” he said. “I missed the clubhouse atmosphere. I missed the vibe. I feel like I can bring something to the table as far as a clubhouse presence or bullpen presence. Being a supporting cast to guys like Chris Martin, Kenley Jansen and guys like that.
“And my procrastination levels get through the roof if I’m by myself in a house.”
