Former Red Sox Reliever Released From Twins Ahead Of Opening Day
Minnesota released the All-Star reliever after he failed to crack the roster.
Former Red Sox Reliever Released From Twins Ahead Of Opening Day originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Minnesota Twins have released former Boston Red Sox reliever Liam Hendriks ahead of Opening Day.
Hendriks signed a minor-league deal with the Twins this offseason as he looked to compete for a spot in the bullpen. Yet, just days before Opening Day, Hendriks triggered the out clause, which meant the Twins had 48 hours to either add him to the 40-man roster or release him back into free agency, and Minnesota opted for the latter, according to Betsy Helfand of The St. Paul Pioneer Press .
Boston signed Hendriks to a two-year, $10 million deal in February of 2024 and he missed the entire season due to an injury. In 2025, Hendriks made his return from injury, but he struggled as he went 0-2 with a 6. 59 ERA in 14 games and underwent season-ending ulnar nerve transposition surgery on his right elbow.
Due to Hendriks' battling injuries throughout his tenure with the Red Sox, Boston declined Hendriks' 2026 option and made him a free agent. He ended up having to agree to a minor-league deal with the Twins before being released. Hendriks is a three-time MLB All-Star and a two-time AL Reliever of the Year, and was also the AL saves leader in 2021.