LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers did not tender a contract to right-hander Evan Phillips before Friday’s deadline, allowing their former closer to become a free agent.
Minor-league right-hander Nick Frasso was also non-tendered, making him a free agent.
Phillips led the Dodgers in saves in 2024 and 2023, but he suffered a shoulder injury during the Dodgers’ postseason run in 2024 and started the 2025 season late.
He made just seven appearances, pitching 5⅔ innings before being shut down in May. A month later, he underwent Tommy John surgery.
The 31-year-old Phillips is in the final year of arbitration eligibility this winter after making $6.1 million on a one-year contract this season. He has yet to start throwing off a mound and is not likely to be ready to return to pitching in major-league games until midseason 2026.
After spending four seasons with the Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays, Phillips was claimed on waivers by the Dodgers in August 2021. He emerged as one of the better relievers in the National League over the next four seasons, posting a 2.22 ERA with 45 saves for the Dodgers. He delivered a 1.14 ERA in 64 outings in 2022.
As a free agent, he could re-sign with the Dodgers with a contract based on how much he is available to pitch in 2026. He will be eligible for free agency following next season.
Frasso, meanwhile, was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in an August 2022 trade and was considered a top prospect in the Dodgers’ system. A Torrance native who went to Palos Verdes Peninsula High and Loyola Marymount, he missed the entire 2024 season following shoulder and hip surgeries and ended the 2025 season back on the injured list.