Recently, multiple MLB insiders, including Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, have reported that White Sox All-Star closer Liam Hendriks is on the trade block.
Hendriks is owed $14 million in 2023 and has a $15 million club option for 2024, though the buyout on the option is $15 million paid out in 10 annual installments of $1.5 million. Should Hendriks be traded, the option becomes a guaranteed year for 2024.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 6, 2022
Hendriks has been named an All-Star in each of the last three full seasons as he’s blossomed into one of the most feared closers in baseball. This past season, he closed 37 of 41 opportunities and struck out 13.3 batters per nine innings to go along with a 2.81 ERA.
As Feinsand notes above, he’s under contract for $14 million next season and comes with a $15 million club option for 2024, which will surely be picked up as long as he stays healthy. The White Sox probably aren’t eager to trade him, but they are open to the idea given how talented the rest of their bullpen already is without Hendriks.
Of all the holes on the Braves roster, the bullpen isn’t at the top of the list. Atlanta could go in with their current group and likely still have one of the better units in the league, but the addition of Hendriks would once again give the Braves one of the most dominant relief cores in the sport, which was a weapon for the team a season ago. Alex Anthopoulos has also already made it clear that he’s willing to upgrade the roster in whatever way possible.
If the Braves don’t re-sign Dansby Swanson, there will be money available to better the roster in other areas. They could add another starting pitcher, left fielder, or perhaps even an elite closer like Hendriks via trade. $29 million over the next two seasons for a powerful relief arm is a bargain. On top of that, the Braves have shown interest in Hendriks in the past, so perhaps they could re-visit that interest this offseason.
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Photo: Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire
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