EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Atlanta Braves and free agent relief pitcher Evan Phillips have agreed to a three-year, $35 million contract, it was announced Thursday.By adding Phillips, who began his career with the Braves in 2018, Atlanta strengthens what already was one of the best bullpens in baseball.The veteran right-hander, who returned from Tommy John surgery in July, appeared in 31 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season, going 3-2 with a 3.46 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 26 innings.Phillips was dominant down the stretch, posting a 1.46 ERA in his final 14 games while striking out 19 in 12 1/3 innings. He then made five postseason appeareance without yielding a run.He suffered a rotator cuff injury in March 2025 and returned a month later before ultimately going on the injured list and opting for surgery in May 2025.Phillips re-signed with the Dodgers last season on a one-year, $6.5 million deal.From 2022 to 2024, Phillips posted a 2.21 ERA and 0.92 WHIP for the Dodgers, saved 44 games and struck out 206 batters in 179 regular-season innings.In nine MLB seasons, Phillips is 19-14 with 47 saves and a 3.37 ERA in 281 games for the Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays and Dodgers.. Biggest deal of the winter so far sends the veteran to Atlanta, which already has one of the best bullpens in baseball.
