One of the most emotional stories of MLB 2026 has just officially emerged as Liam Hendriks reached a Minor League contract agreement with the Chicago Cubs, opening up new opportunities for the veteran pitcher once considered one of the best modern baseball closers.

For many Cubs fans, this is not simply a bullpen depth contract. It’s the arrival of a warrior who overcame cancer, Tommy John surgery, and a series of events that seemed to end his career.

And now, at age 37, Hendriks is starting over.

The Cubs are betting on something extraordinary.

According to reports from MLB.com and AP, Hendriks will go to the Cubs’ training facility in Arizona before potentially playing for the Iowa Triple-A during his recovery.

Coach Craig Counsell acknowledged that this was primarily a move to add depth to the roster, but also “a worthwhile opportunity” for the pitcher who had dominated MLB not long ago.

And it’s hard to deny that.

From 2019 to 2022, Hendriks was a nightmare for every hitter. He won three All-Star titles, two American League Reliever of the Year awards, and boasted a 2.26 ERA during his peak with the Oakland Athletics and Chicago White Sox.

Not only was he a top-tier closer, Hendriks was also considered the soul of the bullpen thanks to his explosive personality, fierce fighting spirit, and exceptional ability to inspire.

From cancer to unfinished rebirths

But then Hendriks’ baseball career began a series of devastating events.

After the 2022 season, he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma—a shock that stunned MLB. Hendriks moved the world when he returned to the court in 2023 after a grueling cancer treatment.

But the tragedy didn’t end there.

After only a few games, he suffered a serious elbow injury and underwent Tommy John surgery, nearly missing the entire 2024 season.

When he returned with the Boston Red Sox in 2025, Hendriks continued to experience hip and forearm problems, further ending his comeback.

In the last three years, he has only thrown a total of less than 19 innings.

For many pitchers, that would be the end.

But Liam Hendriks has never been the type to give up.

The Cubs and their “nothing to lose” opportunity

In Chicago, many see this as a typical “low-risk, high-reward” trade.

The Cubs’ bullpen is being severely depleted by injuries. A number of pitchers, including Matthew Boyd, Hunter Harvey, and Caleb Thielbar, are currently on the injury list.

In this context, the Cubs decided to give a chance to a veteran who once knew how to dominate the most demanding innings in MLB.

No one is sure if Hendriks can return to his fearsome form.

But what gives the Cubs confidence isn’t just velocity or statistics.

It’s spirit.

It’s experience.

It’s someone who has won battles far bigger than baseball.

Cubs fans have begun to believe in miracles.

Immediately after the news broke, the Cubs community on Reddit and social media exploded.

Many fans called it “a deal without downsides,” while others believe Hendriks could absolutely become “Comeback Player of the Year” if he recovers.

It’s noteworthy that even those skeptical of his current form still hold the Australian pitcher in high regard.

“Liam is one of the greatest people to ever play baseball,” wrote one Cubs fan.

Another commented: “I just want to see him get another chance.”

Perhaps that’s what makes this story so special.

Baseball always has a place for warriors.

At 37, after cancer, Tommy John surgery, and countless setbacks, Hendriks understands he doesn’t have much time left.

But sometimes, MLB isn’t just about ERA or saves.

It’s also about where the most resilient people keep getting back on their feet even when everything seems over.

For the Chicago Cubs, this might just be a Minor League contract.

But for Liam Hendriks, this is another chance to prove that his journey isn’t over yet.

And if anyone has the guts to write a final comeback in baseball, many believe that name is Liam Hendriks.