Atlanta Braves Sign Evan Phillips: The Atlanta Braves have signed veteran relief pitcher Evan Phillips to a three-year, $35 million contract. With this move, the right-handed pitcher returns to the team where his Major League Baseball (MLB) career began. The agreement was announced on November 12, 2026. The Braves are looking to bolster their bullpen ahead of the 2027 MLB season.
The 32-year-old reliever previously played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he established himself as one of the team's most reliable bullpen options. His return to Atlanta significantly strengthens the Braves' pitching depth.
Evan Phillips' Contract Details with Atlanta Braves
Phillips has agreed to a three-year contract worth $35 million. According to the reported contract structure, he will receive $11 million in each of the 2027 and 2028 seasons, followed by $13 million in 2029.
| Contract Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Evan Phillips |
| New Team | Atlanta Braves |
| Previous Team | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| Contract Length | 3 Years |
| Total Contract Value | $35 Million |
| 2027 Salary | $11 Million |
| 2028 Salary | $11 Million |
| 2029 Salary | $13 Million |
| Position | Relief Pitcher |
Evan Phillips Returns Home
This signing is particularly significant because Atlanta was the very team that selected Phillips in the 2015 MLB Draft. The Braves picked him in the 17th round, and he made his MLB debut with the franchise in 2018.
However, his first stint in Atlanta was quite brief. After appearing in four games, he was traded to the Baltimore Orioles—a deal that also involved starting pitcher Kevin Gausman.
Following a challenging period in Baltimore, Phillips joined the Dodgers in 2021. His career took a major turn in Los Angeles, where he emerged as a reliable "high-leverage reliever"—a pitcher trusted to perform in critical, high-stakes situations.
Evan Phillips 2026 MLB Season Statistics
After recovering from Tommy John surgery, Phillips returned to the field in July 2026. Despite missing the first half of the season, he delivered an excellent performance for the Dodgers.
- Games Played: 31
- Innings Pitched: 26
- ERA: 3.46
- Strikeouts: 33
- Win-Loss Record: 3-2
- Saves: 1
He also concluded the regular season in spectacular fashion, recording a 1.46 ERA and 19 strikeouts over his final 14 appearances. Furthermore, in the postseason, he held opponents scoreless across five consecutive outings.
Braves Bolster Bullpen for 2027
Atlanta’s decision to sign Phillips comes at a critical juncture for their bullpen. With the team’s closer, Raisel Iglesias, heading into free agency, the Braves face significant decisions regarding their late-inning pitching options.
Phillips brings a wealth of experience and a proven ability to handle high-pressure situations. Within the team’s bullpen structure, his arrival provides Atlanta with another reliable option for the seventh, eighth, or ninth innings.
The Braves are hopeful that Phillips will maintain the excellent form he displayed following his surgery and become a key component of their pitching staff in 2027.
Phillips’ Impressive Record with the Los Angeles Dodgers
Phillips spent six seasons with the Dodgers from 2021 to 2026, posting a 2.36 ERA during that span. He also recorded 24 saves in 2023 and 18 saves in 2024.
One of his most notable achievements is his consistently strong performance in the postseason. Throughout his MLB playoff career, Phillips has not allowed a single run over 18 1/3 innings. This makes him a vital asset for any team aiming to win a championship.
