The Los Angeles Dodgers regularly have one of the highest payrolls of the year but there is always place for one or two more players. On Thursday, the club announced they had signed former outfielder Andrew Toles to another one year contract. It may surprise people who are unfamiliar with Toles’ story to hear he has not swung a bat since 2018.
Re-signing Toles has become a trend with the Dodgers organization. This is the sixth year the former players contract will be renewed. Toles has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia but the Dodgers keep him on the books so that he can maintain his health insurance.
In 2020, Andrew Toles was homeless and diagnosed with schizophrenia.
The former outfielder hasn't played baseball since 2018 and may never play again.
But once again, the Dodgers have re-signed Toles to a $0 deal—allowing him to keep using mental health services and insurance. pic.twitter.com/aMidKORr5r
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) March 14, 2024
Toles has struggled over the years with his father Alvin Toles revealing the gravity of his health concerns. Speaking with USA Today, Alvin spoke about how his son cannot even watch television due to voices.
Andrew, a Georgia Native, played his college ball at the University of Tennessee before eventually being drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2012. He moved on to the Dodgers where he made his MLB debut in July, 2016 against the San Diego Padres.
Toles played in a total of 96 MLB games over three seasons with the Dodgers. Over that stretch, he slashed .286/.333/.459. He went on to record 8 home runs, 35 RBIs, 2 stolen bases and 66 hits over 231 big league at-bats.
