Chicago White Sox signing Liam Hendriks is an A+ Move

By: Will Farlow

The Chicago White Sox in the top of a ninth inning in an elimination Game 3 of the 2020 MLB Wildcard Series faced a tough closer in Liam Hendriks of the Oakland A's. Little did the White Sox hitters know that just a few hours ago the Southsiders would sign that same closer to join the team in Chicago. The Chicago White Sox , according to ESPN MLB reporter Jeff Passan, signed star free agent closer Liam Hendriks to a 3 year $39 million dollar deal with a fourth year $15 million dollar option for 2024.

Liam Hendriks' deal with the Chicago White Sox guarantees him $54 million, sources tell ESPN. It goes for three years and includes an option for the fourth.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 12, 2021

This signing by the White Sox is another big move showing Sox fans that this team is ready to work toward a World Series starting in 2021. Hendriks in my opinion is one of the most reliable, consistent closers in baseball. Hendriks during his last stint in the majors pitched a 1.78 ERA with 14 saves, and 37 strikeouts in 2020 as the closer for the Oakland A's. The star right handed closer is joining one of the youngest MLB bullpens in the Chicago White Sox.  

​General manager Rick Hahn and the White Sox front office that has continued to put good effort in their transactions since the rebuild in 2016 should be applauded for another great move. The White Sox have a strong young built team that features a good supportive cast of veterans. I believe adding a star closer like Hendriks inches the Sox even closer on paper as potential favorites to win the AL Central division title in 2021. I know that this isn't the key goal for this young White Sox team that is working hard toward contending toward a World Series championship.

The #WhiteSox might have the best bullpen in the American League. Liam Hendriks is a really big addition. He’s been very good.

— James Fox (@JamesFox917) January 12, 2021

Liam Hendriks is the type of closer you can depend on in any type of game situation. The former White Sox closer Alex Colome did quite well in my view, however, for a team looking to win a World series next year the upgrade to Hendriks is vital to that success. Hendriks now joins a potential 2021 White Sox bullpen featuring Aaron Bummer, Matt Foster, Codi Heuer, Jimmy Cordero, Jace Fry, Evan Marshall, and possibly Garret Crochet. The White Sox now can focus on continuing to develop their pitching , and bringing in Hendriks I see him working with these talented Sox bullpen arms.  

Crochet to Bummer to Hendriks.
Good luck with that.

Vinnie has the story. https://t.co/kuuS6krCkP

— Chuck Garfien (@ChuckGarfien) January 12, 2021

Hendriks getting the contract length reported shows me how the early contention window for the White Sox looks. The Chicago White Sox still have opportunities to add players through free agency or trade with spring training projected to start in a few months. This Liam Hendriks signing by the Chicago White Sox in my viewpoint is a true A+ move by the organization. White Sox fans that didn't like the team facing Liam Hendriks can breath a sigh of relief as he is now on our side of the mound. Welcome to Chicago Liam Hendriks, and all the best to you in your new stint as the new closer for the Chicago White Sox.