Kenley Jansen sits down for another honest conversation
FORT MYERS, Fla. - Lucas Giolito was just getting ready to head over to JetBlue Park Monday morning when he got a text from an old friend.
Liam Hendriks, who played with Giolito with the White Sox, had a question.
"He texted me, ‘Where are you?’ I said, ‘I’m in my closet getting dressed. What do you mean?’ It was the most random thing ever," Giolito recounted. "He said, ‘I’m in the breakfast room.’ I’m like, ‘What do you mean? What’s going on?’ I was pretty pumped. When I got here I saw him briefly. He was doing all his physical stuff. I’m sure tomorrow I will spend more time with him."
The reason why Giolito is going to be able to spend more time with the former All-Star closer is because pending a physical Hendriks will be joining the Red Sox on a two-year, $10 million deal. (Buster Olney reports the contract can earn the 35-year-old as much as $20 million after incentives.)
Hendriks, who returned to the White Sox last season five months after undergoing treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma last season, isn't expected to be available until late in the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery in August.
The righty closer made the American League All-Star team in three of four seasons from 2019-22, finishing ninth in AL Cy Young voting the one year he wasn't an All-Star (2020).
"Liam’s great," Giolito said. "He is going to bring a lot of energy. Obviously, he has to get right from surgery. I know he will bounce back from that. He’s a really strong guy. I know he proved it. He beat cancer to come back and play baseball. I think he’s going to bring a ton of energy. Super intense competitor. High-leverage arm. Back-end of the bullpen. It’s a great move for the club and I’m happy to have another friend here."
The Red Sox starter added, "He has proven it. I think he won the relief pitcher of the year maybe a couple of times. He has a good track record. He comes with that high level of intensity as a closer. I have seen him shut the door so many times, both against him and with him the last few years."
While Hendriks' presence doesn't figure to alter the Red Sox' bullpen plans for 2024, with the contracts of both Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin expiring after this season it does appear they will be counting on the Australian for high-leverage innings in 2025.