CHICAGO, IL – The Chicago Cubs are reportedly eyeing former Los Angeles Dodgers high-leverage reliever Evan Phillips as a perfect “buy-low” candidate to bolster their bullpen despite the fact he is recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Phillips, 31, was recently non-tendered by the Dodgers—a strategic payroll move to avoid paying his projected $6.1 million arbitration salary for a player who will miss a large chunk of the 2026 season. Now a free agent, he presents an ideal, high-upside risk for a team like the Cubs desperately seeking late-inning help.
Why Phillips is the Cubs’ Perfect Fit
The Cubs’ bullpen remains a major question mark, with four of their five most-trusted arms from the end of last season now off the roster. Phillips, despite his injury, checks critical boxes for Cubs management:
Elite Track Record: Phillips was one of the best relievers in baseball from 2022-2024, posting a stellar 2.14 ERA over 184.2 innings and recording 45 saves across the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He has also recorded 15.1 scoreless postseason innings on his resume.
Calculated Risk: Phillips underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2025. The typical 12-to-15 month recovery timeline puts him on pace for a return around the mid-to-late 2026 season (potentially around the trade deadline). This allows the Cubs to secure an elite, cost-controlled arm for the stretch run of 2026 and potentially for the full 2027 season, likely on a low-guarantee, one-year deal with a club option.
Manager Counsell’s Reputation: Cubs manager Craig Counsell has an excellent reputation for managing pitchers’ health, making the Cubs an attractive landing spot for a player undergoing long-term rehab.
The Contract Scrutiny
Phillips was projected to earn $6.1 million in arbitration, a figure the Dodgers were unwilling to guarantee for an injured player. The Cubs, who have historically been cautious in guaranteed bullpen spending, would likely seek a creative contract structure:
The expectation is that the Cubs will pursue a contract guaranteeing Phillips a lower amount for 2026, with a strong club option for 2027 to capture his first full healthy season post-surgery.
While the Dodgers remain in conversation with Phillips about a potential return on a new deal, the Cubs’ immediate need for talent and their calculated willingness to invest in injured players makes them a strong contender to steal the former All-Star reliever.
