With just over three weeks until the Minnesota Twins’ Opening Day, the team’s success will heavily rely on the strength of their pitching staff, particularly the starting rotation. For the Twins to contend, they need solid performances from their top three starters, dependable innings from the rest of the rotation, and enough offensive production from their youthful lineup to maintain leads. Alongside this, the bullpen’s ability to close games effectively will be critical.
This spring, one of the offseason’s most notable additions is right-handed reliever Liam Hendriks. The 37-year-old Australian is competing for the closer’s role, bringing veteran experience back to a bullpen that features returning pitcher Taylor Rogers. Both are expected to provide leadership to a group filled with young arms.
Hendriks’ Journey and Current Status
Liam Hendriks originally began his Major League Baseball career as a starter for the Twins from 2011 to 2013, but his breakthrough came after transitioning to the bullpen. His 2015 season with Toronto showed significant improvement—his fastball velocity increased, and his breaking ball became more effective. Since then, Hendriks has demonstrated resilience, overcoming cancer and recovering from elbow problems during his 11-plus years in the majors.
This spring, Hendriks has performed well in live batting practice against some of the Twins’ emerging hitters. However, he remains one of the few pitchers who has yet to appear in an exhibition game. His ability to regain full health early in the season will be a key factor in whether he can contribute meaningfully to the bullpen and provide the intensity and leadership that the team needs in close games.
Uncertainty Surrounding Hendriks’ Opening Day Inclusion
It remains uncertain if Hendriks will secure a spot on the Twins’ roster for Opening Day. His health and readiness to pitch effectively in April are still in question, and claiming the closer role appears to be a challenging goal at this point. Yet, Hendriks’ competitive nature and past performance suggest he should not be dismissed prematurely.
Fans may recall Hendriks’ fiery presence during the 2021 All-Star Game, where a mic’d-up moment highlighted his intensity and disregard for outside opinions. His mindset and fighting spirit could be the kind of influence this youthful Twins team requires, especially during an unpredictable season. If Hendriks can get healthy and remain on the roster, his leadership and energy will likely be invaluable throughout 2026.
Implications of Hendriks’ Presence for the Twins
The Twins will need dependable late-game pitching to secure victories in tight matchups this season. Hendriks’ experience and resilience make him a respected figure in the clubhouse whose impact could extend beyond just on-field performance. Should he make the roster, Hendriks would not only add depth to the bullpen but also reinforce the team’s competitive edge and camaraderie.
Liam Hendriks facing Kody Clemens in live BP. #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/BFtAaLdOPp
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) February 23, 2026
https://twitter.com/CodifyBaseball/status/1678784689627340802
