Dodgers Remain Interested in Re-Signing Evan Phillips
Although Evan Phillips was not tendered a contract on Friday, the Dodgers remain interested in re-signing him.
LOS ANGELES, CA—On the final day to tender players on the 40-man roster a contract, the Los Angeles Dodgers decided to non-tender veteran right-handed relief pitcher Evan Phillips, making him a free agent.
While the Dodgers continue to operate with one of the largest payrolls in baseball, they also do so smartly, and Andrew Friedman and Co. decided that the projected $6.1 million in arbitration for the 2026 season was too much of a risk with Phillips set to miss most of the upcoming season.
Still, despite the two sides not seeing eye-to-eye right now, Friedman reiterated that he and the Dodgers would welcome Phillips back but understood he’d do what’s best for him and his family in a conversation with Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.
“We had a number of back and forth discussions with Evan and his agent,” Friedman said via text. “It is challenging with him coming off surgery, so he is going to take some time and look to sign after he throws off the mound when his rehab allows. Evan has been a big part of our past success and we will continue the conversation about bringing him back. We respect that he is taking this time to decide what is best for him and his family.”
Phillips had Tommy John surgery in May and will miss the beginning of 2026. Nevertheless, his performance for the Dodgers from 2022 to 2024 remains impressive, with a 2.21 ERA, a 10.4 K/9, a 2.3 BB/9, and 44 saves.
After the conclusion of the 2025 World Series, Phillips posted on social media that he had begun his throwing program and was seen throwing at Dodger Stadium.
Phillips couldn’t pitch in the 2024 World Series due to a right shoulder problem. During the offseason, further tests showed he had a minor tear in the back of his rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder.
Although Phillips initially avoided surgery, his 2025 season was delayed. He pitched in just seven games before experiencing right forearm discomfort, which ultimately led to season-ending Tommy John surgery.
Another issue that likely led to the non-tendering of Phillips and Frasso was how tight the Dodgers’ 40-man roster is at the start of the offseason, with the team still having only three spots remaining and a bulk of free agency still to go.
However, if Phillips does not find a deal with another club this winter, we could see the Dodgers offer Phillips a contract during spring training when the 60-day injured list opens, so he doesn’t have to occupy an active roster spot.
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