The Los Angeles Dodgers’ group of free agents expanded to include Evan Phillips after he was non-tendered at the start of the offseason. That made the right-hander a free agent while he navigates the recovery process from having Tommy John surgery last June.
There hasn’t been much talk of Phillips’ next move, but the Boston Red Sox were among the teams linked to him in December. Phillips is also believed to be seeking a one-year contract, presumably so he can rebuild his value and reach the open market again next winter.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman suggested earlier this offseason that the team has interest in re-signing him, and longtime friend Tanner Scott hopes that comes to fruition.
“I do talk to Evan quite often,” Scott said at DodgerFest. “I mean, we’ll see where it goes. I like the guy, I hope he comes back.”
Phillips joined the Dodgers organization in August 2021, when he was claimed off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays. He went on to become one of their top relief pitchers but had run into recent injury trouble.
A right shoulder issue prevented Phillips from pitching in the 2024 World Series, and further examination revealed he sustained a minor tear in the back of the rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder.
Although Phillips managed to avoid surgery, he had a delayed start to the 2025 season. Phillips then managed to pitch in just seven games before going back on the injured list due to right forearm discomfort that ultimately led to season-ending Tommy John surgery.
Tanner Scott focused on rebounding by playing to his strengths
Scott’s first season with the Dodgers did not go according to plan as he was hampered by injuries and went on to have the worst year of his career. The left-hander finished 1-4 with a 4.74 ERA, 4.70 FIP, 1.26 WHIP and an MLB-worst 10 blown saves in 57 innings across 61 appearances.
Scott is focused on getting back to the pitcher he was during an elite two-year stretch with the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres from 2023-2024.
“Not being as bad as I was last year,” Scott said at DodgerFest of his expectations for the 2026 season. “I mean, last year was kind of terrible for me, but it’s a new year, 2026, and just going to move forward.”
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