Dodgers Work to Support Former Outfielder Andrew Toles

Team renews contract to maintain Toles' health insurance as he battles mental health challenges.

Mar. 5, 2026 at 5:34pm

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have been quietly renewing the contract of former outfielder Andrew Toles, who has been on the restricted list since 2019 after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. However, the team has now revealed that continuing this arrangement is no longer possible, and they are working with Toles' family to determine the best path forward as he continues to struggle with his mental health.

Why it matters

Toles' story highlights the challenges professional athletes can face with mental health issues, and the efforts teams make to support players even after they are no longer on the active roster. The Dodgers' handling of Toles' situation has been praised for its compassion, but the team now faces difficult decisions as they work to ensure Toles' well-being.

The details

Andrew Toles, a promising outfielder who played for the Dodgers from 2016-2018, did not report to spring training in 2019 and was quietly placed on the restricted list. The team has renewed his contract each year since then to maintain his health insurance, but this arrangement is no longer possible. The Dodgers are now working with Toles' family to determine the best way to support him as he continues to battle his mental health challenges.

  • Toles played for the Dodgers from 2016-2018.
  • Toles was placed on the restricted list in 2019 after not reporting to spring training.
  • The Dodgers have renewed Toles' contract each year since 2019 to maintain his health insurance.

The players

Andrew Toles

A former outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Major League Baseball team that employed Toles and has been working to support him since his mental health challenges emerged.

Alvin Toles

Andrew Toles' father, who has said his son is in a "zombie-like" condition due to his mental health struggles.

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What they’re saying

“We've been in contact with the Toles family and have worked together on how to best move forward. Continuing with the previous setup was no longer possible due to eligibility. The Toles family has asked that Andrew's privacy be respected. Out of respect to the Toles family, we will not comment any further.”

— Los Angeles Dodgers

“We are having challenges, but nothing that God and I can't handle. Schizophrenia, it's just so tough. I mean, he can't even watch TV. He hears voices and the TV at the same time, so it's kind of confusing. I've seen him looking at some baseball games on his laptop, but I don't think he really understands what's going on. I just want him to have a chance in life. That's all. Just to be healthy, live a normal life.”

— Alvin Toles, Andrew Toles' father

What’s next

The Dodgers and Toles' family are working together to determine the best way to support Andrew Toles as he continues to battle his mental health challenges.

The takeaway

Toles' story highlights the importance of professional sports teams supporting their players' mental health, even after they are no longer on the active roster. The Dodgers' compassionate approach to Toles' situation has been praised, but the team now faces difficult decisions as they work to ensure his well-being going forward.