The Los Angeles Dodgers are bringing back a familiar late-inning arm.
Right-handed reliever Evan Phillips has re-signed with Los Angeles on a one-year, $6.5 million contract, the team announced Wednesday. The agreement ends a brief free agency period after the Dodgers chose to non-tender Phillips in November rather than take him through arbitration.
According to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, the Dodgers remained in steady contact with Phillips throughout the offseason, even as he continued recovering from Tommy John surgery performed June 4.
A Strategic Reunion
Phillips, 31, is not expected to return until after the 2026 All-Star break. The Dodgers weighed the financial uncertainty tied to his rehab before deciding to bring him back on a slightly higher salary than his projected arbitration figure.
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman previously acknowledged the challenge of re-signing a pitcher coming off elbow reconstruction, but emphasized Phillips’ value to the organization’s recent success.
Los Angeles ultimately prioritized continuity in a bullpen that has leaned heavily on Phillips in high-leverage moments over the past several seasons.
Track Record of Elite Production
Since arriving on a waiver claim from the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021, Phillips has quietly developed into one of the National League’s most dependable relievers.
Across 201 appearances with the Dodgers, he owns a 2.22 ERA and 2.87 expected ERA, along with 221 strikeouts against just 52 walks in 195 innings. He has also converted 45 saves during that span.
In 2025, Phillips’ season was derailed early. He opened the year on the injured list with a right rotator cuff strain linked to the previous postseason. He appeared in only seven games before undergoing surgery, tossing 5 2/3 scoreless innings with six strikeouts.
Roster Implications
To clear space on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated catcher Ben Rortvedt for assignment. Rortvedt had recently been reclaimed off waivers but faced a crowded depth chart behind Will Smith and Dalton Rushing.
If Rortvedt clears waivers, Los Angeles could retain him as organizational depth without occupying a 40-man spot.
Looking Ahead
The move signals patience rather than urgency. Phillips will not impact the early months of the season, but the Dodgers are betting on his ability to anchor the bullpen down the stretch.
For a team with championship expectations, bringing back a proven high-leverage arm — even on a delayed timeline — represents a calculated investment in October stability.