Chicago White Sox: Liam Hendriks makes the All-MLB team

Aug 12, 2021; Dyersville, Iowa, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Liam Hendriks (31) takes questions from the media before the game against the New York Yankees at the Field of Dreams. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2021; Dyersville, Iowa, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Liam Hendriks (31) takes questions from the media before the game against the New York Yankees at the Field of Dreams. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago White Sox had nine players nominated for the All-MLB team a few weeks ago. The teams were finally announced and Liam Hendriks was the only player that was voted onto the squads. He is well-deserving of his honor as he might be the best closer in baseball right now. He is certainly one of the best relievers in the game.

In 2021, he was outstanding in his first year as a closer for the White Sox. He led the American League with 38 saves and had a 2.54 ERA, 0.73 WHIP, and 14.32 K/9. He was an American League All-Star and won the reliever of the month award twice. It was a fantastic season for the star closer.

Liam Hendriks has an extremely bright future with the White Sox. He is going to be a part of a magnificent bullpen in 2022 and beyond. As long as he stays healthy, he will be a force in the 9th innings where the White Sox holds a lead. He is well-deserving of this honor.

Unfortunately, as mentioned before, he is the only White Sox player to make the first team or the second team. It is strange that Lance Lynn’s name didn’t appear anywhere. Five of the six Cy Young Award finalists were on the first team and Lynn was the only one left off.

You would figure that if they can only take five starters, Lynn would at least be on the second team. It is a shame that he was overlooked in every way here. He was fantastic for the White Sox in 2021 and deserves to be on here. Carlos Rodon also deserves to be on the second team as well and it is a shame that they did that to one of the league’s best teams.

Seeing Liam Hendriks represent the Chicago White Sox on the All-MLB team is really cool.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that nobody else made it because the MLB is loaded with talent. The White Sox have many elite players but they played a heavy team game in 2021. Nobody in the batting order had MVP years but they all had really good years. The 2022 All-MLB team should be loaded with White Sox hitters if they are a much healthier team.

As much of a shame as it is to see the snubs, especially Lynn and Rodon, it is good to see Liam get this honor. The White Sox took a major risk with that contract and it has paid off. We can only hope that it continues into 2022 and beyond.

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