Report: White Sox sign Liam Hendriks to three-year deal, fourth year effectively guaranteed

The Chicago White Sox have signed Liam Hendriks, taking the star reliever off the free agency market. Hendricks is signing a three-year contract worth $39 million, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The MLB insider also adds that the buyout and fourth-year option in Hendricks’ contract are $15 million.

In regards to the buyout year, Passan reported that if the White Sox decline it, then they will be able to pay it out over the course of multiple years. Ultimately, the reliever should still receive $54 million by time the contract expires.

Hendriks was one of the best closers in Major League Baseball last season and helped the Oakland Athletics reach the postseason. Hendriks recorded 14 saves, along with an ERA of 1.78. He also struck out 37 batters over 25.1 innings pitched and had a career-best WHIP of 0.67.

For his efforts, the veteran reliever earned votes for the AL Cy Young and AL MVP. He was also named the AL’s Reliever of the Year. He now joins a White Sox club that made the postseason last season after making the big acquisition of Dallas Keuchel for its starting rotation.

Hendricks came up in the Minnesota Twins system before spending time with the Kansas City Royals and Toronto Blue Jays, and then the last five seasons with the Athletics.