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Phillips is expected to return, but the timeline remains up in the air. The uncertainty surrounding Phillips’ recovery is partly a reason for the Dodgers’ decision not to tender their former closer in November.
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman revealed there is an opportunity for the defending champions to bring Phillips back in free agency.
“We had a number of back and forth conversations with Evan and his agent,” Friedman said. “It’s a challenge as he comes out of surgery, so he will need some time to draw after being thrown off the mound, once his rehabilitation allows. Evan has been a big part of our past success and we will continue the conversation about bringing him back. We respect him taking this time to decide what is best for him and his family.”
A report from Tim Healey of the Boston Globe stated that the Dodgers free agent hopes to sign a one-year deal and hit the market again next offseason. Phillips could delay signing with a team until July, when he is expected to be healthy.
According to Healey’s report, the Boston Red Sox are among the teams interested in the 31-year-old.
Phillips’ 2025 season was cut short, going seven times without allowing a point. He was placed on the injured list in May and underwent Tommy John surgery in July. There’s no telling how Phillips will fare upon his return, but he played a key role in the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series run.
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Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn images
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