Liam Hendriks rumors: 5 trade destinations for the White Sox closer
By Tim Boyle
Chicago White Sox fans are now paying close attention to the latest Liam Hendriks rumors and where he could possibly get traded.
Liam Hendriks rumors are nothing new. He was traded three times in his career, twice by the Toronto Blue Jays. He has reached a new level of excellence in recent seasons and earned himself a hefty contract in free agency with the Chicago White Sox a few years ago.
Under control for the 2023 season at $14.3 million and team option for $15 million that becomes guaranteed if traded for the 2024 campaign, he’s a target many ball clubs will begin to look at as a possible savior for their bullpen. Whether he’s a closer or a setup man, plenty of MLB teams could get involved in the Liam Hendriks rumors.
Exactly which teams should be willing to overpay for the White Sox closer?
1) Liam Hendriks rumors: The Mets are an early contender
The New York Mets are one of the teams where the latest Liam Hendriks rumors have originated. Although they have Edwin Diaz under team control for a few more years and at a record-breaking salary for a relief pitcher, the club could use some reinforcements. Who better than Hendriks?
We know money isn’t a problem for Steve Cohen and the Mets. Hendriks’ salary won’t take a big enough bite out of their apple. The only trouble they’d have is finding the right piece(s) to send back to the White Sox who look eager to compete this season. Trading Hendriks only makes sense if they get some win-now players.
Jeff McNeil would definitely be someone the White Sox would want to finally answer their second base question. The Mets create a huge hole in their lineup by trading the reigning National League batting champion. There aren’t any other major leaguers that particularly good fits for what the White Sox need most, at least not at the level of what Hendricks can do. Mark Canha and Eduardo Escobar don’t quite move the needle.
Mets shortstop prospect Ronny Mauricio could be a name to look at. He just won the Dominican Winter League MVP. Could he be an answer for them at second base by the end of 2023?