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White Sox reach four-year deal with Liam Hendriks

Jan 16, 2021

The Chicago White Sox and right-hander Liam Hendriks agreed to a four-year, $54 million contract, the team announced Friday.

Hendricks will receive a $1 million signing bonus and get $11 million in 2021, $13 million the following year and $14 million in 2023. The White Sox have an option for a fourth season for $15 million, or the team can buy out Hendriks’ contract for $15 million but space the payout in 10 equal installments between 2024-33.

“With the acquisition of Liam, we are adding another premium talent to our core group of players,” said Rick Hahn, White Sox senior vice president/general manager.

“Liam is someone of outstanding character and makeup who will be an asset both on the field and in the clubhouse. He gives Tony (La Russa, manager) and Ethan (Katz, pitching coach) another weapon to make our bullpen even deeper and more versatile.”

Hendriks, 31, emerged as the closer for the Oakland Athletics in 2019, when he saved 25 games in 32 opportunities and posted a 1.80 ERA. He was a first-time All-Star that year.

Hendriks followed that up with 14 saves in 15 chances in 2020, a season reduced to 60 games because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He dropped his ERA to 1.78, and he tied for ninth in American League Cy Young Award voting and tied for 13th in AL Most Valuable Player voting.

The Australian began his career with the Minnesota Twins (2011-13) and also played for the Kansas City Royals (2014) and Toronto Blue Jays (2014-15). Toronto traded him to Oakland in November 2015 for reliever Jesse Chavez.

Hendriks has a career record of 19-27 with 40 saves and a 4.10 ERA in 344 games (44 starts).

The White Sox previously added starting pitcher Lance Lynn and outfielder Adam Eaton this offseason. Chicago’s 2020 closer, right-hander Alex Colome, is currently a free agent. Colome logged 12 of the team’s 13 saves last season.

–Field Level Media

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