Veteran arm Cubs hoped could be a 2026 bullpen answer retires with hilarious social media post

With the wheels already coming off the Chicago Cubs pitching staff in mid-May, the front office took a flyer on former All-Star closer Liam Hendriks, bringing the Australian right-hander in on a minor-league deal. Even then, they knew a return to a big-league mound was a long-shot and that wound up being the case.

After rehabbing extensively in Arizona, he joined the Triple-A Cubs, making four scoreless appearances. Even so, he didn't get a look with Chicago and, now, his 14-year MLB journey with the Athletics, White Sox, Twins, Blue Jays, Red Sox and Royals has come to an end.

Liam Hendriks hangs up spikes after unforgettable 14-year MLB career

Hendriks announced his retirement in a post on social media that had all of his usual humor and wit. One of the best success stories in recent decades, the right-hander went from DFA to establishing himself years later as one of baseball's top closers. A two-time Reliever of the Year winner, Hendriks was near-unhittable at his best.

His already incredible story took a shocking turn in 2023 when he announced a Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis. Thankfully, he won his battle with cancer and returned to the mound months later, en route to AL Comeback Player of the Year honors as a member of the Chicago White Sox.

His triumphant return was cut short by Tommy John surgery, but of course that didn't stop him. He attacked his rehab and, after missing the entire 2024 campaign, returned to the mound as a member of the Boston Red Sox in 2025. It was somewhat surprising that the Cubs never gave him a chance given the state of their bullpen this summer, but that's how it played out.

A three-time All-Star and proud owner of 116 career saves, Hendriks won't go down as one of baseball's all-time greats, but for a moment, he was a lights-out weapon in the ninth inning, capable of striking fear in any hitter. His Cubs chapter was incredibly fleeting, but even so, everything he's gone through and accomplished in his career is worth pausing and appreciating.

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