Evan Phillips has been a key piece of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ bullpen puzzle in recent years, but heading into 2026, the team made a surprising move: they non-tendered him, making him a free agent. Out of five arbitration-eligible players on the roster, Phillips was the only one not retained-despite being projected to earn around $6.1 million in his final year of arbitration.
The decision wasn’t just about dollars and cents-it was also about health and timing. Phillips underwent Tommy John surgery in June and is expected to miss a significant chunk of the 2026 season.
That kind of recovery timeline always gives front offices pause, especially when it comes to relievers in their final year of team control. Still, letting go of a pitcher with Phillips’ track record opens the door to risk-and potentially, regret.
Make no mistake: the Dodgers haven’t closed the book on Phillips. They’re reportedly interested in bringing him back, likely on a deal that’s more team-friendly than the arbitration figure. But by non-tendering him, they’ve invited competition-and one team already kicking the tires is the Boston Red Sox.
According to reports, the Red Sox have inquired about the right-hander, who, when healthy, has been one of the most reliable bullpen arms in baseball. But health has been the operative word lately.
Phillips missed the start of the 2025 season due to a shoulder issue that also kept him out of the 2024 World Series against the Yankees. That injury turned out to be a small tear in the back of his right rotator cuff.
After battling back and returning to the mound, he made just seven appearances before needing Tommy John surgery-a tough break for a pitcher who had been trending toward elite status.
Phillips’ journey with the Dodgers began in August 2021, when he was claimed off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays. What followed was a transformation.
From 2022 through 2024, he was nothing short of dominant. In 184.2 innings over that span, Phillips posted a 2.14 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP, striking out over 10 batters per nine innings while keeping walks to a minimum.
He wasn't just effective-he was efficient, composed, and a go-to option in high-leverage spots.
He took over closing duties in 2023, saving 24 games, and followed that up with 18 more in 2024. But it was 2022 that truly showcased his ceiling: 63 innings of brilliance, capped by a jaw-dropping 1.14 ERA. That season, he wasn’t just a good reliever-he was among the very best in the league.
Now, Phillips is on the comeback trail. He began his throwing program in early November, and so far, all signs point to a smooth recovery.
While a return in the second half of 2026 remains the most realistic target, there’s some optimism that he could be back as early as June. Since he’s a reliever and won’t need the same buildup as a starter, there’s room for a slightly accelerated timeline-if everything continues to go well.
For teams like the Red Sox, who are always looking to shore up the back end of the bullpen, Phillips represents a compelling buy-low option. He’s got elite stuff, big-game experience, and a track record that speaks for itself. The only question is how quickly-and fully-he can return to form.
As for the Dodgers, they know exactly what they had in Phillips. Whether they get another shot at bringing him back could come down to how aggressive other teams are willing to be. In a league where reliable late-inning arms are always in demand, Evan Phillips might be one of the most intriguing comeback stories to watch in 2026.