Dodgers re-sign Andrew Toles for the fifth consecutive year to ensure his access to health coverage

The Dodgers re-signed former outfielder Andrew Toles in March this year even though he has not played for the team since September 30, 2018, reports Sports Illustrated. The team has signed a contract with him since the 2019 season to make sure that Toles has access to health insurance. For the 2023 season, Toles won't be getting paid by the team but will be considered a member of the organization. It is the fifth consecutive year that the franchise has assisted Toles.

He joined Dodgers in 2016. His career seemed promising as a young star, but it began to decline slowly, according to The Sun. Reportedly, he was battling depression and anxiety and tore his ACL, which made him sit out most of the 2018 season. In 2019, he was a no-show in spring training.

The fans were at first not aware of what happened to him. But in July 2020, it was announced that the player was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The same year, he was found sleeping behind a building at Key West International Airport in Florida. He was homeless and was shifted to a mental health facility after the incident. 

Toles has played 96 games as a part of the Dodgers over three seasons from 2016 to 2018. He slashed .286/.333/.459 with eight home runs and 35 RBI. At the last report, Toles was said to be in the care of his father, Alvin, who stated that Andrew was in a "zombie-like" condition.

”We are having challenges,” Alvin said in 2021 reported Los Angeles Times, “but nothing that God and I can’t handle. Schizophrenia, it’s just so tough. I mean, he can’t even watch TV. He hears voices and the TV at the same time, so it’s kind of confusing. I’ve seen him looking at some baseball games on his laptop, but I don’t think he really understands what’s going on. I just want him to have a chance in life. That’s all. Just to be healthy, live a normal life.”

Dodgers former pitcher Tom Koehler, who signed with the team in 2017, injured his shoulder in spring training and never pitched an inning for the team. He wrote on Twitter, “Saw it first hand how they treated me when I could provide nothing for them. I am not surprised they are helping Andrew. It’s bigger than sports.”

Toles was born on May 24, 1992, in Decatur, Georgia. He had a successful college career at Chipola College. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the third round in 2012 and then he went on to win Minor League Player of the Year in 2013. 

It would've been easy for the Dodgers to cut off their ties with Toles but they made sure that they help him out in the best way possible. Fans were appreciative of how the Dodgers have re-signed Toles this season as well. @KMWells33 commented, "How you treat people, matters. Great to see." @TheAmazins wrote, "The Dodgers and Mets have classy owners. MLB needs more of this." @TweetJesus949 pointed out, "A sign of an A+ organization knowing how to deal with the human side of the sport and business. It takes a lot to field the most competitive team every year for a decade now. Always having the depth and resources with the right planning. But also, knowing they are all people."