The Los Angeles Dodgers had to make a couple of difficult decisions today. They non-tendered pitchers Evan Phillips and Nick Frasso, and they have officially become free agents, according to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times. Phillips is reportedly eligible for $6.1 million in arbitration.
Dodgers Non-Tender Pitchers Evan Phillips, Nick Frasso
Arm Full of Promise
Frasso came over in a deal with the San Diego Padres in exchange for Matt Beaty. He had incredible stuff and made a rapid rise in the Dodgers’ minor-league system. However, he sustained a shoulder injury and missed all of the 2024 season with surgery. He only had a few outings in 2025, and he seemed to struggle to recover his repertoire and mechanics. Frasso ended the season on the 60-day injured list.
Andrew Friedman says the Dodgers are still interested in re-signing Evan Phillips
He was due to make more than $6 million thru arbitration for next season, but is still recovering from a Tommy John surgery he had last June
Friedman’s full statement: https://t.co/qGlnI3t6Sv pic.twitter.com/U5DMIYguf3
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) November 21, 2025
Undiscovered Talent Becomes Lockdown Closer
Right-hander Evan Phillips came over from the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021 and quickly caught the eye of the Dodgers. His 95-mph fastball and filthy sweeper were a lethal arsenal. He quickly rose to a high-leverage reliever in 2023 to the top of manager Dave Roberts‘ “trust tree.” He served as the Dodgers’ closer for the 2023-24 seasons until a shoulder injury kept him off the World Series roster in 2024. Phillips hadn’t recovered, and his 2025 season ended early with Tommy John surgery in May. As a result, he will probably not see a big league mound until the second half of next year.
Is the Door Ajar?
Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman said that Los Angeles was open to re-signing the closer. Phillips said that he wanted to take the recovery process further and see how he feels before signing on the dotted line. If the closer signs a contract, it will be in March when the team can add him to the 60-day IL
The Dodgers’ 40-man roster is down to 37. Now, how will they fill it?
Main Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
