Braves Sign Evan Phillips To Three-Year Deal

The Atlanta Braves agreed to a three-year, $35 million contract with right-handed reliever Evan Phillips, according to multiple outlets including ESPN, FOX Sports, MLB.com and The New York Times. Phillips, who spent the past four seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers and served as their closer in 2023, returns to the organization that originally drafted him in 2015. The deal represents Atlanta's first significant free-agent signing of the winter.

Coverage emphasizes the bullpen upgrade for a Braves team that relied heavily on Raisel Iglesias and A.J. Minter in high-leverage spots last season. ESPN and FOX Sports note the $35 million guarantee, while MLB.com and The New York Times frame the move as addressing a clear roster need. Yahoo Sports and Sports Illustrated highlight the Dodgers' perspective, calling it Los Angeles's first major offseason loss. NBC Sports' Nusbaum column runs adjacent to the news but focuses on a separate infielder situation.

The contract reunites Phillips with Atlanta after he was traded to the Dodgers in 2021. The Braves' bullpen depth behind Iglesias and Minter was tested in the postseason, and Phillips adds a proven late-inning option.

Watch for whether Atlanta makes additional bullpen moves or shifts Iglesias to a different role. The Dodgers' response in the reliever market will also be tracked, as they now lack an established closer. Phillips's health and velocity recovery from the shoulder issue will be monitored during spring training.