Why Do The Dodgers Resign a Man Who Hasn’t Played Since 2018?

Not many people know the story of Andrew Toles. Toles hasn’t played a game in Major League Baseball since 2018. However, the Los Angeles Dodgers continue to give a contract to the former big leaguer.

Throughout his professional baseball career, Toles battled mental health issues. Toles had been drafted in the third round of the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays. Following his entry into the league, Toles dealt with anxiety issues as well as sleeping problems. He played for the Charlotte Stone-Crabs, the Single A affiliate of the Rays, but was benched after a lack of hustle in his gameplay. In 2015, Toles attended spring training for the Rays but was released as a result of disciplinary issues.

The following year, Toles signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He began his season in the minor leagues but continued to climb his way up to the majors. He made his Major League debut on July 8th, 2016.

In 2019, Toles did not report to spring training for the Dodgers, the team citing “a personal matter.” Toles was placed on the restricted list. Toles reported to camp on April 30th for extended spring training but left a month later to return to his family.  It was later released in 2019 that Toles was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia. Since then, Toles has been on the restricted list for the Dodgers.

Since leaving the Dodgers, Toles has had a number of stays in mental health hospitals. In 2020, Toles was arrested in Florida with a misdemeanor charge of trespassing at the Key West Airport. Toles had been homeless then, until his father gained guardianship of him.

Since 2018, because Toles continues to be on the restricted list for the Dodgers, the Dodgers have continued to give him a contract worth $0. Though the former outfielder isn’t paid by the team with this contract, he still receives health insurance, which covers the costs of his mental health services.

Mental health issues have become a hot topic in the world of sports, and athletes have begun to reach out about receiving help. Since the 2023 season began, two players have been put on the Injured List with mental health matters. It was announced on April 9th that Tigers outfielder Austin Meadows left the team citing anxiety, and Rockies Pitcher Tyler Bard left the team on March 31st because of anxiety as well. The Dodgers’ efforts to continue providing support for athletes who are battling mental health issues add to a list of ways the sports world is beginning to prioritize athletes’ mental health.