Liam Hendriks and Cody Bellinger Named 2023 MLB Comeback Players of the Year

Hendriks overcomes cancer to return to the mound, Bellinger bounces back from injuries to have a standout season

Liam Hendriks, a three-time All-Star closer for the White Sox, was named the 2023 American League Comeback Player of the Year after battling Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and returning to the mound in May.
Hendriks made five appearances for the White Sox before being shut down in June due to right elbow inflammation and subsequently undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Cody Bellinger, outfielder for the Chicago Cubs, was named the National League’s Comeback Player of the Year after a resurgent season following a string of injury-marred seasons.
Bellinger hit .307 with 26 home runs, 97 RBIs, 29 doubles, 153 hits and 95 runs in 2023, also stealing 20 bases for his first season reaching the 20-homer, 20-steal level.
Both Hendriks and Bellinger are now free agents after their respective teams declined their options for the 2024 season.