Minnesota Twins

Liam Hendriks Diagnosed with Cancer

/ Gem Tablak / Leave a comment

Closer of the White Sox, Liam Hendriks has announced via his IG (Instagram) that he unfortunately has Cancer.

“Hearing the word ’cancer’ came as a shock to my wife and I, as it does to millions of families each year. However, I am resolved to embrace the fight and overcome this new challenge with the same determination I have used when facing other obstacles in my life…

My treatment begins tomorrow, and I am confident that I will make a full recovery and be back on the mound as soon as possible. I know with the support of my wife, my family, my teammates, and the Chicago White Sox organization, along with the treatment and care from my doctors, I will get through this.”

Via Hendriks’ IG

Hendriks is currently listed as the closer for the Chicago White Sox, however, rumors across the internet have the Mets targeting the right-hander for bullpen help. The veteran is two years deep into a three year deal worth $54M, not an impossible contract to relocate.

Unfortunately, all that is currently on hold as Hendriks will receive treatment for non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

General Manager of the White Sox, Rick Hanh has released a statement on behalf of the organization.

“Our thoughts and reactions at this time are for Liam the person, not Liam the baseball player. I know the entire Chicago White Sox organization, our staff, his teammates, and certainly White Sox fans, will rally in support of Liam and Kristi during the coming months. Knowing everyone involved, especially Liam, we are optimistic he will pitch again for the White Sox as soon as viable. In the meantime, we all will do everything in our power to support our teammate and his family as they face this challenge, while also respecting their privacy. We do not expect to have any updates on Liam’s playing status prior to Opening Day at the very earliest.”

Hendriks has a career 3.81 ERA over the span of 12 seasons. The veteran has collected 115 saves throughout his career, including a career high of 38 with the Sox in 2019.

Prayers go out to Hendriks and his family as they fight this horrible disease.

Mets Keeping Tabs on Twins Closer?

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According to Mike Puma, the Mets are keeping an “eye” on Twins closer Taylor Rodgers. Rodgers coming off an All Star season, which was cut short due to a finger injury. Rodgers is set to make little over 6 mil in his final year on arbritration.

The 30 year old lefty was having a solid season until his finger started bothering him. Over 40.1 innings, Rodgers pitched to a 3.35 ERA with a career high 13.2 strikeout per nine rate. Worth noting is that Rodgers had an awful month of July before landing on the IL. Before July he pitched to a 2.61 ERA.

Rodgers is just two years away from a 30 save season. In 2019, he pitched to a 2.61 ERA with 30 saves in 60 games. Over his career Rodgers has been solid against righties (.716 OPS) and tremendous against lefties (.540 OPS). While he was the closer with the Twins, he most likely be a guy who gets the innings with lefties more for the Mets, which should improve his overall numbers.

Palmer Sports

Rodgers, a sinker/Slider guy, gets a ton of swings and misses on his slider (38.8%). His Sinker gets a -5 launch angle on balls in play, which gets him ground balls. If you get to watch Rodgers, expect a slider as he threw that pitch 54% of the time in 2021.

The Mets would need a to make a trade to get Rodgers from the Twins but not expected to be a big haul. Rodgers is set to make over 6 mil and the Twins are reportedly interested to shred some money, according to Mike Puma.

Photo Credit: SNY on Twitter

Mets interested in Gonzalez

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The Mets have shown some interest in Utility-man Marwin Gonzalez. Gonzalez had an off year during 2020 however in 2019, he hit .264/.322/.414 with 15 dingers.

Of course, anyone that plays seven positions all across the diamond has a ton of value to them. The switch-hitter won’t receive any record setting contracts, but he’ll make an excellent addition to any club.

Photo from Bleacher Report

Mets sign Trevor Hildenberger

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The Mets have signed another Trevor from the Twins. This time, it’s Trevor Hildenberger. Hildenberger is a sidearm righty, with some succes in the majors. In 2017 he pitched to a 3.21 ERA in 42 innings. However, that’s most of his major league succes.

In 2018 he pitched in 73 games, pitching to a 5.42 ERA over 73 innings. A full seasons in the Twins bullpen. His FIP was at 4.53 in 2018, which could indicate some bad luck. He struck out 8.6 per nine.

He followed it up with some terrible numbers in 2019. He pitched to a 10.47 ERA over just 17.1 innings. His hits per nine was shockingly over 14. In AAA he pitched to a 4.30 ERA in 23 innings with a lower WHIP at 1.17.

Another depth move is never wrong plus I always like pitcher giving a different look. After we traded Villines we needed a new true submarine.

Image courtesy of Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Also read: Mets sign Venezuelan flame thrower