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?
2) Liam Hendriks rumors: The Yankees might be an even better match for Chicago
A trade with the New York Yankees can actually benefit both teams immediately much more. The Yankees have second baseman Gleyber Torres as someone they can easily swap for an upgrade. A one-for-one deal wouldn’t be too outrageous although we might want to see the Yankees give up Clay Holmes and the White Sox deliver another player to New York in this deal.
Despite their success last year, the shakiest part of the Yankees bullpen at times was their closer spot. Aroldis Chapman is now gone from the franchise. Can they really trust Holmes to get it done?
Hendriks for Torres seems like a near-ideal start to a blockbuster between these two. It would probably take a little bit more to get both general managers to sign off. If not Holmes, maybe the White Sox are satisfied with one lesser reliever.
3) Liam Hendriks rumors: The Cardinals have young players the White Sox would like
A major relief pitcher hasn’t been discussed about much for the St. Louis Cardinals this offseason and yet it should be a goal of theirs. Their farm system and MLB roster is full of young and talented players perfect for trading. Unless they are going to wait around forever to see someone become available, now might be the time to strike.
Immediately, names like Brendan Donovan and Nolan Gorman come to mind for the White Sox. An outfield prospect like Alec Burleson to become their next starting left fielder could also work. He’s a lefty with some pop. He fits exactly what the White Sox should be looking to acquire.
The Cardinals might have the widest selection of players that would fit the White Sox. Their bullpen is questionable right now and could use a little more reassurance with a big splash like Hendriks.
4) Liam Hendriks rumors: What are the Dodgers waiting for?
Last offseason, the White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers made a trade involving Craig Kimbrel. The deal didn’t work out so well for either team. Second time’s charm, right?
The Dodgers have a solid bullpen right now with Daniel Hudson lined up to be their closer. It doesn’t seem like a very “Dodgers” plan for the final frame. Someone a little more excellent would probably create more ease for the fans. Hendriks could be the guy.
The Dodgers have a couple of versatile MLB position players the White Sox could look at. Max Muncy and Chris Taylor stand out. Each is 32-years-old and coming off of a weak season. The White Sox would surely want more back for a closer who did play well last year. The loaded Dodgers farm system can give them many different choices.
5) Liam Hendriks rumors: The Rangers should look to fortify their bullpen further
Over the last two winters, the Texas Rangers have overhauled their roster completely. Their rotation has the potential to be one of the best in baseball. Their lineup could use some work and so could the bullpen. They don’t have the dominating closer many other successful teams do. Could they swing a deal for Hendriks?
A trade between the Rangers and White Sox involving Hendriks would definitely send at least one bullpen arm to Chicago. One of the guys who saved games for them last year, such as Jose Leclerc or Joe Barlow, would make sense. The Rangers don’t have too much room to subtract from the lineup although a free agent signing could open up the door for a separate trade with the White Sox.
Some down years in the standings have helped give the Rangers an impressive farm system that the White Sox can look into. As far as helping themselves out now, there are better teams. Maybe if Texas gets involved, a third team does, too.