Andrew Toles hasn’t played for the Los Angeles Dodgers since the 2018 season but nevertheless remained a member of the organization amid ongoing personal struggles.
In June 2020, Toles was arrested when he was found sleeping behind a Federal Express building located at Key West International Airport. Police officers wrote in their report that Toles was given multiple opportunities to leave the premises before getting arrested on a misdemeanor charge of trespassing.
The incident was attributed to Toles’ battle with mental health issues.
Although Toles has been away from the Dodgers, his and Michael Grove’s contracts were renewed for the 2023 season along with others who are pre-arbitration eligible, according to Associated Press:
Five players were renewed for $720,000: Miami outfielder JJ Bleday, Pittsburgh shortstop Oneil Cruz, Minnesota right-hander Jhoan Durán, Oakland catcher/designated hitter Shea Langeliers and Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Andrew Toles.
Others whose contracts were renewed included Philadelphia right-hander Connor Brogdon ($738,750), Detroit right-hander Alex Faedo ($721,300), Dodgers right-hander Michael Grove ($722,500), Texas catcher Jonah Heim ($745,660), Tigers right-hander Alex Lange ($726,000), Tampa Bay All-Star left-hander Shane McClanahan ($737,000), Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen ($739,700), Baltimore catcher Adley Rutschman ($733,900) and Orioles right-hander Tyler Wells ($732,400).
The MLB minimum salary for 2023 is $720,000, which is up from $700,000 last year. Setting a minimum salary and annual increases was among the sticking points during lockout negotiations between MLB and the Players Association.
Largely buoyed by contracts veterans and established All-Stars signed, the average MLB salary increased 14.8% to a record $4.22 million last season.
The Dodgers do not expect Toles to play for them this year, but by keeping him under contract they ensure the 30-year-old continues to have access to healthcare services and financial support.
When news broke of Toles’ arrest, several members of the organization reached out to his family. The Dodgers still consider Toles part of their team and he is adored within the clubhouse by players and coaches.
Meanwhile, Grove received a salary increase after a productive year that saw the right-hander pitch for Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City along with making his MLB debut.
Grove should fill a key role for the Dodgers this season and is a candidate to replace Tony Gonsolin in their Opening Day rotation.
Andrew Toles career with Dodgers
Toles burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2016, batting .314/.365/.505 in 115 plate appearances over 48 games. He was expected to take on a bigger role the following season, but a torn ACL derailed those plans.
Toles made a full recovery but only appeared in 17 games in 2018. He was placed on the restricted list the following year due to personal reasons and hasn’t been with the team since.
In 96 games over parts of three seasons with the Dodgers, Toles hit .286/.333/.459 with 14 doubles, eight home runs and 35 RBI.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
