Superstar Australian pitcher Liam Hendriks earns huge honour as member of All-MLB First Team

Liam Hendriks has created history as the first Australian star to be named in the All-MLB First Team with a monster payday on the way.

Aussie pitcher Liam Hendriks is one of the best in baseball. Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images/AFP

Australian MLB star Liam Hendriks has been named one of the best pitchers on the planet.

The reliever, who led the Oakland A’s into the playoffs as the gun member of a strong bullpen, was named a member of the All-MLB First Team this week.

Hendriks was one of two relief pitchers selected, along with five starters and one player at each offensive position, putting him alongside superstars like Mookie Betts, Manny Machado and the man who’ll arguably be the greatest player ever when he retires, Mike Trout.

The 31-year-old was eligible to be drafted into the AFL under the father-son rule, with his dad Geoff playing 150 games for West Perth in the WAFL, however he chose baseball instead - which is now seriously paying off.

Hendriks made headlines back home in October when, pitching during the playoffs, a commentator mentioned his fandom of AFL side North Melbourne - who he accurately said are currently “abysmal”.

He began his MLB career in 2011 with the Minnesota Twins, but in the last few seasons has emerged as one of the most dangerous short-form pitchers in the sport.

Hendriks led Oakland to its first playoff series win since 2006. Photo: Jason Miller/Getty Images/AFP

“It’s such an honour. It’s only been around for a couple of years, but it’s one of those things that everybody looks forward to hearing this offseason,” Hendriks told MLB.com.

“As soon as I heard about the nominations, I texted (teammate) Jake Diekman to congratulate him. We had such a great year. There could have been any number of the guys in this.”

The West Australian finished the 2020 season with a 1.78 ERA (earned run average), 0.671 WHIP, 12.33 strikeout-to-walk ratio and 14 saves from 24 appearances.

He was the most valuable relief pitcher in baseball according to WAR (wins above replacement), totalling 1.4 in a shortened season, a year after hitting a remarkable 3.9.

Hendriks earned $US5.3 million this season for the A’s and is now a free agent, likely to earn a multi-year contract.

MLB Trade Rumors projected him to sign a three-year, $US30 million ($AU39.6 million) deal, however teams are currently being slow to sign players, claiming to be struggling financially due to the pandemic (despite their multi-billion dollar TV deals).

Originally published as Superstar Australian pitcher Liam Hendriks earns huge honour as member of All-MLB First Team