Liam Hendricks #31 of the Boston Red Sox
Liam Hendriks’ Absence Looms as Red Sox Bullpen Shines to Start the Season
When the Boston Red Sox opened their 2025 season against the Texas Rangers, one notable name was missing from the roster. Liam Hendriks, the veteran reliever signed before the 2024 season, was nowhere to be found, as his comeback from Tommy John surgery hit another roadblock.
Despite concerns over the bullpen heading into the season, Boston’s relievers delivered 12 scoreless innings to start the campaign. Their strong performance has been one of the few bright spots during the team’s shaky 1-3 start, all while Hendriks remains sidelined with elbow inflammation.
Hendriks, a three-time All-Star and two-time AL Reliever of the Year, missed all of 2024 while rehabbing from surgery. A rocky spring training culminated in his placement on the 15-day injured list before Opening Day, further delaying his highly anticipated Red Sox debut. While the 36-year-old remains hopeful for a return soon after he’s eligible, his prolonged absence raises concerns about his future in Boston.
On Monday, FanSided’s Zach Pressnell cast doubt on Hendriks’ long-term outlook with the club. Pressnell predicted that 2025 could be Hendriks’ final season in Boston, speculating that another injury setback might prevent him from returning to his dominant form.
“Not only did (Hendriks) fall short of being named the closer, but he’s also fighting another injury,” Pressnell wrote. “The righty is on the final year of his contract, and it’s very unlikely the Red Sox would look to renew his deal given how his career in Boston has gone so far.”
While Pressnell acknowledged that a full recovery could change everything, he remained skeptical about Hendriks regaining his peak form. After all, the right-hander has pitched just five major league innings in the past 29 months due to his battle with cancer and subsequent surgery.
Hendriks’ journey has been nothing short of inspiring. From his dominance between 2019 and 2022 to his courageous cancer fight, he has remained one of baseball’s most respected players. His signing with the Red Sox brought optimism, but the reality of his injury history now clouds his future with the team.
If 2025 does mark the end of Hendriks’ tenure in Boston, it would be an unfortunate ending to a deal that once carried so much hope. However, if there’s one thing Hendriks has proven throughout his career, it’s that he thrives when facing adversity. Red Sox fans can only hope he defies the odds once more and makes an impact before his contract expires.
