5 Red Sox Leaving Boston in the New Year

5. Liam Hendricks, RP

After undergoing Tommy John surgery towards the end of the 2023 season, RHP Liam Hendricks signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Red Sox to start his MLB comeback.

Much to his dismay, though, a slower-than-expected recovery meant Hendricks didn't get to make a single start with the Red Sox in 2024. The good news is that he did look solid across six Triple-A and Double-A appearances, pitching to a 1.80 ERA with three strikeouts in five innings of work.

It's now up to Hendricks to prove to the Red Sox what he's still capable of. He was one of the MLB's best closers before his elbow issues began, racking up 114 saves while averaging 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings in 226 appearances between 2019 and 2022.

Failing to return to his previous form could spell bad news for Hendricks, who has a $12 million mutual option for the 2026 campaign. While that's a perfectly reasonable price to pay an All-Star closer, the Red Sox might not be interested in fitting the bill if the Tommy John surgery took a toll on Hendricks' efficiency.

Needless to say, the 2025 season will be a make-or-break period for Hendricks.

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