Braves sign reliever Evan Phillips to three-year contract

Evan Phillips. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Braves make first big offseason splash, sign reliever Evan Phillips to three-year contract

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Nov 12, 2026 3:47 PM ET

After a slow first 10 days of the Major League Baseball offseason, a notable transaction has finally taken place.

The Atlanta Braves have upgraded their loaded bullpen

According to ESPN's MLB insider, the Atlanta Braves have made the first big splash of the offseason, signing reliever Evan Phillips to a three-year, $35 million contract.

It is a bit of a full circle moment, as Phillips made his MLB debut with Atlanta in 2017. He's made a name for himself, though, as a trusted member of the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen since 2021.

In 232 appearances with the Dodgers, Phillips pitched to a 2.36 ERA with 254 strikeouts across 221 innings. He's also been stellar in postseason action, as he's yet to allow a run across 17 appearances and 18 1/3 postseason innings.

Reliever Evan Phillips and the Atlanta Braves are in agreement on a three-year, $35 million contract. Biggest deal of the winter so far sends the veteran to Atlanta, which already has one of the best bullpens in baseball.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 12, 2026

Evan Phillips rocks, and is, somehow a little underrated despite being a Dodger. When he came back from injury this past year, he topped 100 for the first time in his career: pic.twitter.com/LEwp3EzSPM
— Mike Petriello (@mike_petriello) November 12, 2026

If healthy, Atlanta will have one of the top bullpens in baseball

Even with some injuries last season, the Braves bullpen posted a 3.44 ERA, ranking second in the National League and fourth in all of MLB. The backend duo of Robert Suarez and Raisel Iglesias were among the most dominant in the league when they were both available.

Now, with the addition of Phillips, the bullpen could likely get even stronger and somehow get even better than it was last season if Atlanta is able to retain Iglesias. Even if Iglesias leaves in free agency, Suarez has experience as a closer and could seamlessly fill that role, meaning Phillips would be a high-leverage, backend reliever.

Health will ultimately determine just how good the bullpen can be, but if everything comes together, the Braves could have one of the biggest advantages of any team in MLB when it comes to protecting leads and closing out games.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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