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Twins Release Liam Hendriks After Spring Opt-Out Days Before Opening Day

Minnesota prioritized younger bullpen options after evaluating his spring form.

Overview

  • The Twins granted the 37-year-old right-hander his release after he invoked an opt-out when informed he would not make the Opening Day bullpen, according to The Athletic.
  • Hendriks logged seven spring outings with a 3.86 ERA over 7 innings, allowing 3 runs on 9 hits with 5 walks, as observers noted reduced fastball velocity.
  • If added to the 40-man roster, his contract would have paid $2.25 million at the major-league level, per the Associated Press.
  • A three-time All-Star with 116 career saves, Hendriks has battled back from Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and later Tommy John surgery, and he posted a 6.59 ERA with Boston in 2025.
  • Reporters say Andrew Chafin and Gio Urshela are also departing on opt-outs as Minnesota trims toward a younger roster, while Hendriks looks for a new bullpen role in free agency before Opening Day.