The Los Angeles Dodgers have quietly renewed the contract of former outfielder Andrew Toles for the past six years, despite the fact that he has not played for the team since 2018. Toles, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, has struggled with mental health issues and homelessness. The Dodgers place him on the restricted list each year so he can still have health insurance, even though he is unlikely to ever reach the four-year milestone required for permanent coverage under MLB’s collective bargaining agreement.
Toles was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2012, but was released in 2015 due to erratic behavior and threats of violence. He signed with the Dodgers at the end of the 2015 season on the recommendation of Gabe Kapler, the team’s then-director of player development. Despite his personal challenges, Toles found success with the Dodgers, making his major league debut in 2016 and playing a key role in the 2016 NLCS.
However, Toles disappeared from the team in 2019 and was later diagnosed with mental health issues. After a stint in a mental health facility and a car accident, Toles was found homeless and arrested in Key West in 2020. Despite his struggles, the Dodgers have remained committed to helping Toles, renewing his contract each season to ensure he has insurance coverage and support.
The Baseball Assistance Team, formed in 1986 by former MLB players, aims to help current and former players in need of assistance. While Toles could potentially access resources through this organization, his mental health challenges have made it difficult for him to navigate the system. With the support of Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, who has a personal connection to Toles, the team has continued to provide assistance to the former player.
Even though Toles may never have lifetime health benefits from MLB due to his limited service time, he has the support of his former team, who consistently renew his contract and ensure he has access to healthcare. This act of benevolence by the Dodgers is a rare example of compassion in the often cutthroat world of professional sports. In a time of widespread negativity, the generosity shown towards Andrew Toles serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness and support for those in need. It highlights the impact that small gestures of kindness can have on individuals facing difficulties, offering hope for a better future.
