Dodgers are without a doubt going to bring back former star, non-tendered reliever

The non-tender deadline is a fascinating time around baseball. Teams cut bait on failed prospects, fringe roster pieces, and once-promising players whose performance has taken a nosedive. Usually, what shakes free isn't of tremendous value. However, every once in a while, a gem does get cut loose. That's what happened when the Los Angeles Dodgers parted with righty reliever Evan Phillips.

Phillips had been a major development success story for the Dodgers. The 31-year-old began his career by bouncing from the Atlanta Braves to the Baltimore Orioles, posting ERAs of 5 or more each season while being used sparingly. In August of 2021, he was released by Baltimore, temporarily picked up by the Tampa Bay Rays, and by the middle of that month became a member of the Dodgers. He'd show promise down the stretch, logging 10 1/3 innings with a 3.48 ERA.

From 2022 on, he became one of the most dominant relievers in baseball for a two-year stretch. A microscopic 1.14 ERA over 63 innings in 2022 gave way to a 2.05 mark in 2023 as he assumed some closing duties. His 2023 campaign saw him notch 18 more saves, but, while solid, his 3.62 ERA was less intimidating than in years past. LA moved to replace him as the closer by signing Tanner Scott last winter, a move they likely regret.

A UCL injury in May required Tommy John surgery and was the deciding factor in letting Phillips go, but his time away from the Dodgers likely won't be long.

Andrew Friedman's comments all but assure that the Dodgers will reunite with star reliever Evan Phillips

While cutting an injured reliever who might not pitch in 2026 seems cold, there's more than meets the eye. The upcoming season would've been Phillips' final year before hitting free agency, and if he doesn't pitch at all, he'd likely have a harder time landing a job than he would at this point.

And he likely won't be out of a job for long. Andrew Friedman's comments were a pretty emphatic endorsement of Phillips, with the Dodgers' top decision maker saying that the club had been in constant communication with Phillips and his representatives and that they are taking the time to allow him to be with his family, complete his rehab, and begin throwing before signing a new deal.

Friedman added that Phillips has been a big part of the Dodgers' success and specifically said, "We will continue the conversation about bringing him back." That last part is telling, as Friedman usually plays things close to the vest.

The decision cost Phillips $6.1 million in 2026, but it likely gives way to a multi-year deal that will pay him more overall while also giving him the time to heal and decide what he wants for the future. It benefits both sides. Phillips will get security, and the Dodgers can free up a 40-man roster spot to further upgrade this offseason.

The most likely outcome is coming back to the Dodgers. If that's the case, there's a chance he'll be ready to be unleashed down the stretch, but if not, any agreement would likely keep him in Los Angeles for 2027 as well.

Devastating injuries like the one Phillips suffered are an unfortunate part of life in baseball, but ultimately it looks like the Dodgers will do right by him, as it's not only in his best interest but their own. In short, we likely haven't seen the last of Evan Phillips in Dodger Blue.