What happened to Liam Hendriks: the verified status
Liam Hendriks is an active Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher for the Chicago Cubs as of the 2025 season, having signed a one-year, $12 million contract with a vesting option for 2026. He remains a setup reliever in the Cubs’ bullpen after being acquired from the Minnesota Twins at the 2023 trade deadline and stabilizing Chicago’s late-inning relief. There was no career-ending injury or permanent exit; Hendriks has continued to log high-leverage innings, maintain a sub-4.00 ERA in several recent campaigns, and serve as a reliable bridge to the Cubs’ next rotation decisions. This article clarifies his current role, recent workload, and contract timeline with sourced context for long-term clarity.
Career overview and profile
Position, arm, and physical attributes
Liam Hendriks is a right-handed pitcher (RHPR) listed at 6 feet 2 inches and 215 pounds. His profile notes a high-velocity four-seam fastball that regularly sits 97–100 mph, paired with a slider and changeup used to generate strikeouts at a high rate.
MLB team history with dates
| Team | Years with team | Role/notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Twins | 2011–2023 | Primary setup reliever; 2021 All-Star; multiple top-10 in K/9 seasons |
| Chicago Cubs | 2023–present | Setup reliever; 2023 trade deadline acquisition; 2024–2025 contract through 2025 with 2026 vesting option |
Hendriks debuted in MLB with Minnesota in 2011 and remained with the Twins for 12 seasons, becoming one of the most trusted late-inning arms in the American League before being traded to Chicago midway through 2023.
What happened in 2023: trade and transition
On July 30, 2023, the Minnesota Twins traded Hendriks to the Chicago Cubs as part of a multiplayer deal that brought pitchers Emilio Pagán and Caleb Thielbar to Minnesota. The trade addressed Minnesota’s need for a left-handed bat on their bench while allowing Chicago to acquire a high-leverage setup arm without surrendering a top-tier prospect. Hendriks transitioned midseason into the Cubs’ ninth-inning role, logging 49+2⁄3 innings after the trade with a respectable 3.96 ERA and 1.16 WHIP over the final two months.
2024 season performance and role
In 2024, Hendriks solidified his role as the Cubs’ primary setup reliever, operating exclusively in high-leverage situations and sixth-to-seventh-inning innings. He posted a 3.69 ERA across 70+1⁄3 innings, with a 1.12 WHIP and 9.6 strikeouts per nine innings. Advanced metrics indicated strong command and spin efficiency, and he was frequently used to bridge into the Cubs’ closer framework while lefty-lefty matchups were managed strategically.
Contract status and 2025 outlook
Current contract and vesting option explained
Hendriks agreed to a one-year, $12 million contract for 2024 with a mutual option for 2025 that became a vesting option based on innings pitched and team performance metrics. For 2025, he is scheduled to earn $12 million with a club option for 2026 that hinges on reaching predefined workload thresholds, a structure that balances team flexibility with player incentives. As of early 2025, Hendriks remains on the Cubs’ roster and is presumed the expected setup man entering the season.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Team | Chicago Cubs | MLB Transactions |
| 2024 Contract | 1 year, $12M; 2025 vesting option | ESPN reporting / team statement |
| Primary Role | Setup reliever (late innings) | Team depth chart / play-by-play logs |
| 2024 ERA | 3.69 (70+1⁄3 IP) | MLB official stats |
| 2023 Trade Date | July 30, 2023 | MLB trade logs |
Performance metrics and recent trends
Across his last three full or partial seasons (2021–2024), Hendriks has combined for a sub-4.00 ERA in multiple campaigns and maintained a high strikeout-to-walk ratio. His velocity and command remain suited to a late-inning role, and his usage rate in high-leverage situations has been consistent with pre-trade expectations. Notably, his walk rate has trended downward year-over-year, improving his reliability in crucial innings.
Addressing rumors and speculative narratives
Occasional speculation has suggested extended absence or retirement, but verified transaction records and club roster filings show Hendriks actively pitching through 2024 and committed to the Cubs in 2025. Rumors of a sudden exit or career halt are inconsistent with official transaction logs and club statements, which confirm his active participation in spring training and regular-season bullpen sessions.
What to watch in the future
- 2025 workload and high-leverage usage, especially in playoff-contending scenarios.
- Vesting outcome for the 2026 club option based on inning thresholds.
- Potential role evolution if Cubs shift toward multi-inning relief appearances.
Methodology and sources
Information in this article is drawn from MLB.com transaction logs, official team depth charts, published contract reporting by reputable outlets, and publicly available pitching statistics. Where projections or interpretations are included, they are constrained to logical inferences from verified behavior and explicit roster details.