Dodgers Sign Reliever Evan Phillips to $6.5M Contract After Tommy John Surgery

The Dodgers are adding bullpen depth with the signing of the 31-year-old right-hander, who is expected to return around July.

Feb. 11, 2026 at 12:23pm

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed former Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips to a one-year, $6.5 million contract. Phillips is coming off Tommy John surgery and is expected to return around July, providing the Dodgers with bullpen depth for the second half of the 2026 season.

Why it matters

The Dodgers won the World Series in 2025, but their bullpen was an area that needed improvement. This signing of Phillips, who had success with the Dodgers in 2024, gives them additional relief pitching options as they look to defend their title.

The details

Phillips, a 31-year-old right-handed reliever, made just seven appearances for the Dodgers in 2025 before undergoing Tommy John surgery. He posted a 0.00 ERA and 0.4 bWAR in those early-season outings. The Dodgers are bringing him back on a one-year, $6.5 million contract, with the expectation that he will return around July and provide a midseason boost to their bullpen.

  • Phillips made seven appearances for the Dodgers in 2025 before undergoing Tommy John surgery.
  • The Dodgers signed Phillips to a one-year, $6.5 million contract on February 11, 2026.
  • Phillips is expected to return to the Dodgers around July 2026.

The players

Evan Phillips

A 31-year-old right-handed reliever who previously played for the Dodgers in 2024, when he posted a 0.00 ERA in five appearances and 6.2 innings during their World Series run.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The defending World Series champions, who are looking to bolster their bullpen for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“Right-handed reliever Evan Phillips and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a one-year, $6.5 million contract.”

— Jeff Passan, ESPN reporter

What’s next

Phillips is expected to return to the Dodgers around July 2026 as a midseason addition to their bullpen as they look to defend their World Series title.

The takeaway

This signing of Evan Phillips on a one-year, $6.5 million contract represents a savvy move by the Dodgers to add bullpen depth as they aim to repeat as World Series champions. While Phillips will miss the first half of the season due to Tommy John surgery, his expected return around July could provide a significant boost to the Dodgers' relief corps for the stretch run.