Twins Reunite with Reliever Liam Hendriks on Minor-League Deal

Hendriks, who first signed with the Twins in 2007, returns to the organization after injury-plagued 2025 season with Red Sox.

Feb. 12, 2026 at 1:39am

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The Minnesota Twins have signed veteran reliever Liam Hendriks to a minor-league deal with an invitation to big league camp. Hendriks, who first signed with the Twins organization in 2007 and pitched for the team from 2011-13, is looking to bounce back after an injury-plagued 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox.

Why it matters

Hendriks was once a starting pitcher for the Twins who eventually found success as a reliever after leaving the organization. If healthy, he could provide the Twins with a late-inning option out of the bullpen as they look to bolster their pitching staff.

The details

Hendriks, 37, went 0-2 with a 6.59 ERA in 13 2/3 innings for the Red Sox last season as he returned from Tommy John surgery. He dealt with a nerve issue to start the 2025 season before being sidelined by an abdominal issue in May. Hendriks continued to experience elbow issues later in 2025 that resulted in another surgery.

  • Hendriks first signed with the Twins organization in 2007.
  • Hendriks pitched for the Twins from 2011-13.
  • Hendriks was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in January 2023.
  • Hendriks made his return to the majors on May 29, 2023, the same day Royce Lewis homered in his return from a torn ACL.
  • Hendriks signed a minor-league deal with the Twins in February 2026.

The players

Liam Hendriks

A 37-year-old veteran reliever who first signed with the Twins organization in 2007 and pitched for the team from 2011-13. He is looking to bounce back after an injury-plagued 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox.

Royce Lewis

A Twins player who homered on the same day that Hendriks made his return to the majors in 2023, after both players had dealt with significant injuries.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This deal represents a homecoming for Hendriks, who first signed with the Twins organization nearly 20 years ago. If he can stay healthy, he could provide valuable veteran experience and late-inning relief for a Twins team looking to bolster its pitching staff.