The Chicago Cubs are making a savvy move to shore up their bullpen, signing three-time All-Star closer Liam Hendriks to a minor league contract. This veteran addition brings a wealth of experience and a compelling comeback story to the North Side.

Hendriks, 37, last pitched in the majors with the Boston Red Sox in 2025, where he posted a 6.59 ERA over 13.2 innings. However, his resume speaks volumes: 116 career saves since his 2011 debut, with 76 of those coming during his dominant stint with the Chicago White Sox from 2021-23. He’s a proven late-inning arm who knows how to handle pressure in the Windy City.

What makes this signing even more remarkable is Hendriks’ resilience. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in January 2023, he battled back to the mound before undergoing Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season. His journey is a testament to grit and determination—qualities any team values in the clubhouse.

The Cubs’ bullpen currently has three relievers on the injured list: Hunter Harvey, Riley Martin, and Caleb Thielbar. Adding a veteran like Hendriks provides essential depth and a low-risk opportunity to see if he can recapture his All-Star form. For a team eyeing contention in the NL Central, this move could pay dividends down the stretch.