White Cleat Beat
Fansided

Oakland A’s: Liam Hendriks named to All MLB First Team

By David Hill|
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 07: Liam Hendriks #16 of the Oakland Athletics pitches against the Houston Astros during the seventh inning in Game Three of the American League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 07, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 07: Liam Hendriks #16 of the Oakland Athletics pitches against the Houston Astros during the seventh inning in Game Three of the American League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 07, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Oakland A’s closer Liam Hendriks received another honor on Wednesday as he was named to the All MLB First Team.

It had been expected that Liam Hendriks would be a part of the All MLB First Team when the finalists were announced. The 2020 AL Reliever of the Year had been a dominant force for the Oakland A’s once again, a shutdown closer making the ninth inning worry free. It was just a matter of waiting for the announcement.

On Wednesday, that announcement finally came, as Hendriks was officially named to the All MLB First Team.

Hendriks was joined by Rays reliever Nick Anderson as the two bullpen arms on the first team. Teammate Jake Diekman, who was also one of six finalists, did not crack the first two teams.

More from White Cleat Beat

There is no question that he deserved this award. Hendriks built upon his breakthrough 2019 campaign, improving upon the numbers that made him one of the more dominant relievers in baseball last year. In his 25.1 innings, he posted a 1.78 ERA and a 0.671 WHiP, striking out 37 batters with just three walks.

Given that production, it is not a surprise that Hendriks is considered to be the top reliever in free agency. He is the type of arm that any team in need of bullpen help would want, a dominating ninth inning pitcher who has proven to be capable to shutting down anyone. Although his market has been quiet to this point, Hendriks will be in heavy demand.

Likewise, it is not a surprise that the voters would consider him worthy of the All MLB First Team honors. Hendriks is in the midst of a truly dominant run, one that has cemented his stature amongst closers. His potential departure will be a major loss for the A’s.

Liam Hendriks has earned one more honor as a member of the Oakland A’s as he has been named to the All MLB First Team.

Home

Schedule