It takes a strong man to admit that he isn’t the best one for a job.
That’s what Boston Red Sox reliever Liam Hendriks did on Thursday, though.
Hendriks has been in contention for Boston’s closer role, but he admitted to reporters that the job should really go to someone else.
“I think it’s been pretty well proven this spring training who deserves that spot after earning it all spring and that’s definitely not me,” Hendriks said.
Instead, Hendriks believes Aroldis Chapman should get the job.
“Things will shake out however they shake out, but if you want to talk about the guy who’s looked the best in spring training, that’s Chapman,” Hendriks said. “It’s been unbelievable. He’s been 97 to 100 (mph) pretty much every outing and he’s looked crisp and has looked fantastic out there.”
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Chapman has struck out 14 batters in 7.1 innings across eight spring outings.
“He’s an impressive guy no matter what,” Hendriks said. “Whether it be mindset, whether it be his preparation, whether it be the routine that he goes through. He’s dialed in on what he needs to do and I’m excited to have a full season with him.”
Conversely, Hendriks has allowed seven runs in 6.1 innings this spring.
Hendriks didn’t pitch in 2024 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, and he also missed most of 2023 while battling Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Together, Chapman and Hendriks give Boston one of the most experienced back ends of the bullpen in baseball. Chapman is 37 years old, and Hendriks is 36.
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