Liam Hendriks Rumors: Dodgers, Astros, Mets Among Teams Pursuing Closer

The Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros, New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays are among the teams to pursue closer Liam Hendriks in free agency.

Jeff Passan of ESPN reported Monday that Hendriks has been seeking a four-year deal "at a strong annual value" in contract talks.                              

Hendriks has been perhaps the best reliever in baseball over the past two seasons. The 31-year-old recorded 14 saves in 15 chances in 2020, posting a 1.78 ERA, 0.67 WHIP and striking out 37 batters in 25.1 innings.

A bit of a journeyman before latching on in Oakland, Hendriks' ascent has been a pleasant surprise—one that has apparently not given teams any pause in free agency. Before the 2019 season, the right-hander had essentially been a replacement-level MLB player. His career ERA remains a bit high at 4.10, owing to his early-career struggles as a starter with the Minnesota Twins and Blue Jays.

The Philadelphia Phillies were also mentioned as a potential suitor but could sit out the free-agency period if new president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski doesn't give the green light to spend.

Hendriks should find himself in a strong position among relievers on the open market, regardless of whether the Phillies dive in. His recent success puts him a clear step above any of the other names available and might make a team willing to push its chips to the middle of the table with a four-year deal.