LOS ANGELES – Right-handed reliever Evan Phillips agreed to a one-year, $6.5 million contract Wednesday to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to ESPN. Phillips, 31, is expected to be back on the mound around July as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery.
The agreement brings Phillips back to the organization that helped revitalize his career, though his 2025 season was cut short by arm issues. He underwent Tommy John surgery in June after experiencing a series of setbacks.
Phillips initially encountered a right shoulder issue that sidelined him during the 2024 World Series. While he managed to avoid surgery at that time, a delayed start to the 2025 season was followed by just seven games pitched – a span of 5 2/3 innings – before a rotator cuff strain landed him on the injured list in March. After a brief return and seven scoreless appearances, forearm discomfort in May ultimately led to the need for Tommy John surgery.
Prior to the injuries, Phillips had established himself as a key component of the Dodgers’ bullpen. From 2022 through 2024, he posted a remarkable 2.21 ERA and 0.92 WHIP, saving 44 games and striking out 206 batters across 179 regular-season innings. His performance made him a valuable late-game option for manager Dave Roberts.
The Dodgers non-tendered Phillips in November, making him a free agent while he recovered from surgery. The move was largely procedural, allowing the team to avoid a potentially hefty arbitration price – estimated to be over $6 million – given his previous performance. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman indicated at the time that the team remained interested in re-signing Phillips, acknowledging the challenges presented by his recovery.
“We had a number of back and forth discussions with Evan and his agent,” Friedman said in a statement following the non-tender decision. “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’ journey to becoming a reliable reliever wasn’t always straightforward. He was released by the Baltimore Orioles in August 2021 and subsequently designated for assignment by the Tampa Bay Rays less than two weeks later. The Dodgers claimed him off waivers, and he quickly blossomed into a dependable arm in the back end of their bullpen.
Several teammates expressed hope for Phillips’ return during the offseason. Dodgers pitcher Tanner Scott publicly voiced his support, stating at DodgerFest, “I do talk to Evan quite often. I mean, we’ll see where it goes. I like the guy, I hope he comes back.”
The one-year deal allows Phillips the opportunity to rebuild his value as he recovers, potentially setting him up for another chance at free agency following the 2026 season. The Dodgers, meanwhile, gain a proven reliever at a reasonable price, contingent on his successful rehabilitation.
