The opted not to offer a contract to reliever Evan Phillips for the 2026 season, although team President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman confirmed ongoing interest in re-signing him while he recovers from Tommy John surgery. Phillips, expected to earn over $6 million through arbitration in what would be his final year under club control, is currently sidelined following surgery performed in June. Friedman emphasized that they are taking a cautious approach due to the difficulty of Phillips’ comeback and that discussions remain open as the pitcher evaluates the best course for himself and his family.
Phillips’ free agency status highlights the uncertainty about his availability next season as his recovery is projected to extend into early 2026. The faced a choice at Friday’s MLB no-tender deadline: either keep Phillips on the roster with a roughly $6.1 million salary as estimated by MLB trade rumors or attempt to release him and pursue a potential re-signing at a lower cost. The team chose the latter, leaving Phillips’ future with the unresolved for now.
Since joining the late in the 2021 season, Phillips, 31, has been a reliable bullpen figure. He posted an outstanding 1.14 ERA with 77 strikeouts in 63 innings in 2022 and followed it with a 2.05 ERA and 24 saves in 2023. Although his ERA rose to 3.62 in 2024, he remained crucial in the postseason, delivering 6 2/3 scoreless innings before a shoulder injury sidelined him for the World Series. That injury involved a torn posterior rotator cuff, which disrupted parts of his 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Phillips returned briefly in 2025 but soon faced forearm pain that led to his placement on the injured list and ultimately to Tommy John surgery in June, necessitating 12 to 18 months of recovery. GM Brandon Gomez noted Phillips’ lack of improvement before the surgery decision was made. Despite setbacks, Phillips began pitching again in early November and the hope to have him contribute to their quest for a third consecutive World Series title in 2026—provided a new contract agreement can be reached.
Alongside Phillips, the also declined to offer a contract to 27-year-old pitcher Nick Frasso, a former top prospect who has yet to make his MLB debut after struggling following shoulder surgery last season in Triple-A.
Fan Take: This development is significant for baseball fans as it underscores the challenges teams face managing injured yet valuable players amid financial and roster constraints. Phillips’ potential return could be a pivotal factor for the ‘ sustained competitiveness, while his recovery journey resonates as a reminder of the physical toll pitchers endure in the sport.
