The Boston Red Sox have kicked off their season with a strong start, boasting a 7-3 record as they make their highly anticipated return to Fenway Park on April 9 for their home opener. Despite the challenge presented by Trevor Story's injury, the team's spirits are bolstered by the addition of new Red Sox reliever, Liam Hendriks. Hendriks, currently rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, is targeting an August return to the field, marking a significant milestone in his first major surgery recovery.
Before joining the Red Sox with a two-year, $10 million contract, Hendriks faced another formidable opponent: non-Hodgkin lymphoma. However, his resilience shines through, as he not only plans to return to play post-surgery but also aims to extend his career into his 40s. A three-time All-Star with MVP votes under his belt, Hendriks sets personal goals high, aiming to participate in 81 games in a season and to surpass the 100-strikeout threshold once again.
The Stance on MLB's Free Agency and Pitch Clock
Reflecting on the free agency landscape, Hendriks perceives it as slower than usual, attributing some of the pace to the substantial deals signed by Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto last offseason. Despite this, Hendriks found his place with the Red Sox just after setting a personal deadline. He emphasizes that negotiations remain mostly private, with teams and players often working out terms away from the public eye.
Another significant change Hendriks discusses is the implementation of the pitch clock in 2023, a measure designed to speed up the game. While supportive, he suggests an adjustment to allow pitchers the ability to call time, mirroring the batter's privilege. Despite his reservations, Hendriks acknowledges the positive impact of the clock on game duration and believes MLB is moving in the right direction by showcasing player personalities more prominently.
Quotes from Liam Hendriks
Reflecting on his team's potential, Hendriks remarked, "The Red Sox tend to play above their weight when it comes to what you see on paper compared to what they do on the field." He also shared his optimism about his recovery: "It's going well... We're progressing pretty well. We're moving back to 90 feet [throwing]." With a target return date set for August, Hendriks is determined to prove his resilience: "I've battled through some things in the last couple years so now it's going out there and proving to everybody else that, you know what, I did it before cancer, I did it before TJ and I'm gonna do it afterwards again as well."
Regarding his career plans, Hendriks expressed, "My goal is to get into my 40s and after that kind of play it by ear." He further elaborated on his aspirations, stating his desire to participate in half of the season's games and to achieve high strikeout rates again.
When discussing the challenges of free agency, Hendriks noted, "(Free agency) was slower than normal...Some of the bigger signings...kind of depressed the market." He also highlighted the importance of advocating for players' worth, saying, "Some teams are willing to pay. It's just others are looking for an excuse to scare guys into taking less than they're worth, and that's all it is."
Hendriks also touched on adjustments he'd like to see with the pitch clock, "OK, the batter can call time, why can't the pitcher? That would be my adjustment to that." Despite his neutrality towards the pitch clock initially, Hendriks acknowledges its effectiveness in reducing game times and sees it as a step in the right direction for MLB.
As the Boston Red Sox push forward into the season, the team appears to be in good spirits, buoyed by Hendriks' optimistic outlook and determination. With his sights set on returning to the mound in August, Hendriks' journey from recovery to play will undoubtedly be one to watch.
