The Los Angeles Dodgers will enter the 2025 season facing a significant challenge in their bullpen, as both Michael Kopech and Evan Phillips are expected to begin the year on the injured list. While these setbacks present an early obstacle, the Dodgers have strategically fortified their bullpen depth during the offseason to mitigate the impact of these injuries.
Phillips will likely begin the 2025 season on the injured list due to a rotator cuff tear sustained during the 2024 postseason. While surgery was deemed unnecessary, the injury required a platelet-rich plasma injection and has significantly impacted his offseason throwing program.
Kopech and Phillips Won’t Be Ready For Los Angeles Dodgers Opener
Phillips, who recorded 18 saves in 2024 and 24 the previous season, has been a dominant force for the Dodgers in recent years, boasting a 2.21 ERA with a 29.6% strikeout rate and a 6.5% walk rate in three seasons with the team. He is currently in the penultimate year of his contract, earning $6.1 million this season before reaching free agency in 2026-27.
Uncertainty surrounds Kopech’s status as he continues to recover from right forearm inflammation. While the Dodgers initially downplayed concerns, manager Dave Roberts recently acknowledged that Kopech is “a little behind schedule” and may not be ready for Opening Day.
Acquired from the White Sox at the trade deadline, Michael Kopech quickly established himself as a dominant force in the Dodgers’ bullpen. Prior to the trade, Kopech struggled with command in Chicago, posting a 4.73 ERA with a 30.9% strikeout rate but a concerning 12.6% walk rate.
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However, his fortunes dramatically improved in Los Angeles. In 24 innings with the Dodgers, Kopech boasted a microscopic 1.13 ERA, improving his strikeout rate to 33% while slightly reducing his walk rate to 11.4%. While this walk rate remains slightly above average, Kopech demonstrated improved control, evidenced by a significant uptick in his opponents’ swinging-strike rate and chase rate.
The Dodgers have made significant additions to their bullpen this offseason, which will help mitigate the potential absences of Phillips and Kopech.
The team re-signed Blake Treinen to a two-year deal and made a significant investment in right-hander Tanner Scott, signing him to a four-year, $72 million contract, the largest deal for a reliever this winter. Furthermore, the Dodgers added veteran right-hander Kirby Yates to the bullpen on a one-year, $13 million deal.