Liam Hendriks, an Australian-born pitcher, began his Major League Baseball career with the Minnesota Twins. Signed as an amateur free agent in 2007, Hendriks made his MLB debut on September 6, 2011. Initially, his time with the Twins was marked by challenges as he worked to establish himself in the league. Despite showing promise, his early seasons were characterized by struggles with consistency and command, leading to a fluctuating role within the team.
In 2013, Hendriks was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs, though his time there was brief. He was soon picked up by the Baltimore Orioles, but again, his tenure was short-lived. It wasn't until he joined the Toronto Blue Jays in 2014 that Hendriks began to find more stability. During his time with the Blue Jays, he transitioned from a starting pitcher to a relief role, which proved to be a turning point in his career. The move to the bullpen allowed him to harness his skills more effectively, leading to improved performances on the mound.
Hendriks' career took another step forward when he was traded to the Kansas City Royals in 2014, although he was quickly traded back to the Blue Jays. In 2015, he was traded to the Oakland Athletics, where he would spend several seasons refining his craft. With the Athletics, Hendriks developed into a reliable reliever, known for his ability to handle high-pressure situations. His fastball velocity increased, and he became adept at striking out batters, earning him a reputation as a dependable closer.
The 2019 season was particularly noteworthy for Hendriks. He was named an All-Star for the first time, a testament to his hard work and improvement over the years. That season, he recorded a career-high in saves and strikeouts, solidifying his role as the Athletics' closer. His performance helped lead the team to the postseason, where he continued to excel.
In 2020, Hendriks continued to build on his success, earning the Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award. His dominance on the mound was a key factor in the Athletics' strong performance during the shortened season. Hendriks' ability to maintain his form in high-stakes games further established him as one of the top relievers in the league.
Following the 2020 season, Hendriks entered free agency and signed a multi-year contract with the Chicago White Sox. His arrival in Chicago was met with high expectations, and he quickly became an integral part of the team's bullpen. In 2021, Hendriks was once again named an All-Star and received the Mariano Rivera Award for the second consecutive year. His consistent excellence in closing games played a crucial role in the White Sox's successful campaign, helping them secure a division title and a spot in the postseason.
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