Dodgers free agent Evan Phillips had been one of the stalwarts within the bullpen for Los Angeles over the last handful of seasons.
Operating in virtually any role the team asked of him, he quickly developed into an indispensable member of the team. Unfortunately, Phillips suffered an arm injury which prevented him from participating in the 2024 World Series versus the New York Yankees.
With rest and treatment, he came back in 2025 hoping to regain the form he once demonstrated. After only seven appearances, he was put on the shelf again in May — and it was determined that Tommy John surgery was needed to fix his elbow.
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Most recently, the Dodgers decided to non-tender Phillips in a cost-saving move. While he remains a free agent, there’s some hope he’ll make his way back to the Dodgers by midseason.
Speaking of which, various reports indicate that Phillips is seeking a one-year deal where he’ll bet on himself this year and theoretically reenter the market in 2027 looking for a longer-term deal.
The recovery process for a traditional Tommy John surgery would indicate the veteran right-hander being available around June or July. The Dodgers are notorious for letting team members recover with ample time before throwing them back into the mix.
All indications seem to point to a reunion given his importance to the ballclub and the popularity he holds as a teammate.
Haviing said that, Phillips did establish himself as one of the better relievers in the National League dating back a few years. There’s real interest around the league in him from contending teams — and it wouldn’t be totally shocking to see another ballclub make a real push to try and coax him from re-signing with the Dodgers.
Among the teams rumored to be interested in Phillips include the Boston Red Sox. Phillips grew up on the East Coast and may be intrigued by the idea of coming back home.
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Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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One Response
Give Phillips a 2 year Dodger contract once Spring Training opens and put him on the 60 day IL until September. Sign Bichette and Kyle Tucker. $25 million coming off the books after 2026 – Muncy $10 M, Treinen $11 M, Rojas $5.5 M. Thein after 2027 another $50 million is coming off the books. Teoscar $23M, Freddie Freeman $27 M. Bichette and Tucker are needed to make up for the ageing and the loss of Teoscar and Freddie Freeman., The money coming off the books will pay for Bichette and Tucker. Prospects will have to replace Teoscar and Freeman on the roster for 2028, at league minimum pay, saving $50 M. In 2027, Bichette to 3B and Tommy Edman to 2B. 2028 lineup: 1. Ohtani DH 2. Bichette 3B 3. Betts SS 4. Tucker RF 5. Smith C 6. Pages LF, 7. Edman 2B, 8. Josue De Paulo 1B, 9. Eduardo Quintero CF.