Liam Hendriks' Name Popping Up In Trade Talks

For the past two seasons, Liam Hendriks has been a dominant closer for the White Sox. However, the team could soon be moving on from him in an effort to address some other needs.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that White Sox closer Liam Hendriks' name has popped up in trade talks with other clubs.

Soon after, NBC Chicago's Chuck Garfein Tweeted a quote from White Sox general manager Rick Hahn that led to further speculation that Hendriks days could be numbered. Hahn was asked about the possibility of a big trade this off-season. He responded by saying:

"A blockbuster, earth-shaking move was probably a little less on the agenda (last year). This year I think we have to be open-minded, given the way we performed in 2022." 

Feinsand pointed out that Hendriks has a limited no-trade clause that allows him to veto a trade to five ballclubs. Hendriks has established himself as one of the best relievers in the game. In 2021 he was named the Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year for the second straight season, becoming the first pitcher to earn the award in consecutive seasons. He led the American League in saves (38), strikeouts (113), WHIP (0.73), and strikeout-to-walk ratio (16.14). 

In 2022 the Australian was named an All-Star for the third straight season. His ERA went up a tick in 2022 from 2.54 to 2.81, but he still managed to log 37 saves. Hendriks has consistently been one of the best relievers in baseball over the last four seasons. Unfortunately, the White Sox have a lot of holes to fill this off-season. Instead of spending money to address these needs, the front office is opting to trade from an area of strength. Their 26th-ranked farm system doesn't help matters. 

If the White Sox were to trade their 33-year-old closer, they would have plenty of internal options to take over the ninth innings. Kendall Graveman recorded ten saves in 2021, while Reynaldo Lopez has shown flashes of potential. 

Lopez said his goal is to eventually become the White Sox closer. Lopez has all the tools to be a dominant closer. He throws hard and does not walk, guys. His 4.3 walk rate in 2022 ranked in the top five percent of all MLB pitchers. According to Baseball Savant, his fastball velocity ranks in the 93rd percentile. In 2022 he posted a career-low 2.76 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and held opponents to a .218 batting average. 

Another candidate would be hard-throwing left-hander Garrett Crochet. Crochet posted a 2.82 ERA out of the White Sox pen in 2021. However, he underwent Tommy John surgery before the start of the 2022 campaign, forcing him to miss the entire season. 

If there is a time to trade Hendriks, it would be now. His stock is still high coming off another All-Star season. His contract also suddenly looks team friendly. 

Edwin Díaz reset the closer market by signing a record-breaking five-year deal with a reported value of $102 million with the Mets. The White Sox signed Hendriks to a four-year deal worth $54 million before the 2021 season. That deal now looks like a steal and makes his two years of control all the more attractive for teams looking for reliever help. 

He is owed $14 million in 2023 and has a $15 million club option for 2024. Should the White Sox deal him, that option becomes guaranteed money in 2024. 

There are lots of contenders that will be in the market for a closer. The Dodgers and Yankees each had issues with their big-name closers. Both Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman were left off the postseason roster. 

The Phillies will also be looking for ninth-inning help with three of their top four saves leaders from 2022, Corey Knebel, David Robertson, and Brad Hand, all hitting free agency.

A case could be made that the White Sox should hang onto their All-Star closer for the last two years of his deal. But given the amount of money being handed out early in free agency, it doesn't appear the White Sox will be significant players for any impactful talent. Hendriks is one of the most valuable trade assets they have. 

However, to get a game-changing player, Hendriks would probably have to be a part of a package deal. Teams in the market for high-priced relievers are contenders. Contenders are unlikely to give up a positional player of value unless it is from an area of strength.  

James Fegan of the Athletic reported that the White Sox are not shopping Hendriks but have been frequently asked about him. Rick Hahn was quoted in the report saying that "trade talks are dependant on what happens in free agency."

The White Sox will sit and wait as other teams make free agency moves before finding out the market for Hendriks. The hope is to find a desperate team they can take advantage of, and if the right deal is not there, they will hang onto him.