Australian pitcher Liam Hendriks wasted no time getting down to business with the Boston Red Sox, donning his gear and hitting the field shortly after finalizing his hefty $15 million contract. Despite facing a potential delay in his playing debut until June due to ongoing recovery from elbow surgery and a prior battle with stage four non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the Perth native expressed excitement at joining one of baseball’s most storied franchises, a team he admired since childhood.
At 35, Hendriks acknowledges the challenges he faced last season, pitching through physical discomfort before undergoing ligament reconstruction surgery last August. However, he remains resolute in his determination to return to action before the June 30 trade deadline. Signing a two-year deal with a mutual option for 2026, he aims to be back on the mound within approximately 12 months.
Despite his current rehabilitation phase, Hendriks impressed Red Sox management with his recent throwing session, expressing optimism about his progress. Known for his infectious enthusiasm and colorful personality, the reigning American League comeback player of the year brings not only his pitching prowess but also his trademark energy to the Red Sox clubhouse, albeit accompanied by what he admits are “a lot of annoying sayings.”
While acknowledging the challenges he’s faced, Hendriks remains focused on his ultimate goal: contributing to the success of the 2024 Red Sox. With the support of the team’s medical staff and his own determination, he is eager to return to peak form and make a meaningful impact on the field as soon as possible.