The Los Angeles Dodgers made a decisive, calculated move ahead of the non-tender deadline, opting not to tender a contract to veteran, high-leverage reliever Evan Phillips, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery.1
The non-tender officially makes the 31-year-old right-hander a free agent, sending a shockwave through the league—but here is the catch: The Dodgers front office, led by President Andrew Friedman, remains highly interested in re-signing Phillips on a more team-friendly deal.2
💰 The Business Decision: $6.1 Million Too Rich
The decision was purely an aggressive financial and roster management calculation based on Phillips’ injury timeline:
- The Injury: Phillips underwent Tommy John surgery in early June 2025 (Source 1.1), which carries a projected recovery timeline of 12 to 18 months.4 This means he is highly unlikely to pitch until the second half of the 2026 season, potentially missing the entire year.
- The Cost: Phillips, who served as the team’s closer in 2023 and 2024 (Source 2.2), was projected to earn approximately 6.1$ million through the arbitration process for 2026 (Source 3.4).6
- The Math: The Dodgers could not justify guaranteeing a 6.1$ million salary for a player who would occupy a 40-man roster spot while sidelined for most—if not all—of the upcoming season (Source 2.2).
🤝 The Catch: The Reunion Plan
Despite the cold business move, the relationship between the two parties is far from over. The “catch” is that the non-tender was a strategic maneuver to set up a reunion on the Dodgers’ terms:
- Mutual Interest: Andrew Friedman confirmed the team’s interest in bringing Phillips back, stating they will “continue the conversation about bringing him back” (Source 3.2).
- The New Contract: The Dodgers hope to re-sign Phillips to a new, reduced contract—likely a two-year deal where the first year’s salary is significantly lower (or a minor league deal entirely) while he rehabilitates, with a higher guaranteed salary for 2027 when he is fully healthy (Source 2.3).
- Roster Flexibility: The move immediately frees up a crucial spot on the 40-man roster, which is essential for the Dodgers as they pursue other free agent targets this winter (Source 2.5).
Phillips was a massive success story for the Dodgers, transforming from a waiver claim into a lockdown high-leverage reliever, compiling a 2.22} ERA and 45 saves over five seasons (Source 2.6). By non-tendering him, they saved money and gained flexibility, but the door remains wide open for him to return as soon as he is ready to throw off a mound.
