Red Sox pitcher Liam Hendriks expressed outrage over online threats directed at him and his wife following Boston’s 5-1 loss to the Mets on Wednesday night.
In an Instagram Story posted the next day, Hendriks mentioned his performance, where he struggled against Garrett Crochet in the sixth before allowing three hits in the seventh. However, what really struck him was the hateful comments about his family, prompting him to say that the commenter “needs help” and should “reevaluate” their life.
“The threats to my life and my wife’s are appalling and cruel. You need help,” the 36-year-old stated, referring specifically to his wife, Christie.
“It’s disgusting that someone would wish for my death by cancer or suggest I should commit suicide,” he added.
Hendriks urged the individual to reconsider their outlook on life, emphasizing that it’s easy to hide behind a screen while attacking players and their families.
The three-time MLB All-Star has faced significant challenges but made a comeback after battling non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which he was diagnosed with in January 2023 and was declared cancer-free the following April. He underwent Tommy John surgery in August 2023 and joined the Chicago Red Sox.
Making his Boston debut on April 20, 2025, this marked his first major league appearance since June 2023.
Previously named the 2023 AL Comeback Player of the Year, Hendriks spoke out against the online negativity, stating, “Enough is enough.” He believes he reflects the sentiments of many players who have endured similar treatment throughout their careers.
In his recent games, Hendriks, with an ERA of 5.56, commented that he needs more opportunities to improve his performance. “I feel like I’m not pitching enough. If I’m in this position, I need to make an impact,” he remarked, suggesting that he feels rusty without regular pitching time.
Throughout his career, Hendriks has played for six different MLB teams, including the Twins, Blue Jays, and Royals. He and Christie have been married since 2013.
