The Braves strike first to lock down their late-inning bullpen
November 12, 2026, 5:30 p.m. Eastern time.
The Atlanta Braves fired the opening salvo of Major League Baseball’s free-agent hot stove on Thursday, agreeing to terms with veteran relief ace Evan Phillips on a three-year, $35 million contract. The blockbuster signing represents an emotional and competitive homecoming for the 32-year-old right-hander, bringing the former Los Angeles Dodgers shutdown closer back to the organization that drafted him eleven years ago.
According to terms disclosed in the club's official announcement on X and reported by the Los Angeles Times, Phillips will receive $11 million in both 2027 and 2028, with his salary ascending to $13 million in 2029. In keeping with Braves franchise tradition, Phillips will also contribute 1% of his annual earnings to the Atlanta Braves Foundation.
From 17th-round pick to World Series shutdown weapon
Phillips’ journey is one of the most remarkable development success stories in modern baseball. Originally selected by Atlanta in the 17th round of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft out of UNC Wilmington, Phillips grinded through the minors and made his major league debut with the Braves in July 2018. Just weeks later, he was packaged to the Baltimore Orioles alongside four prospects in the trade deadline deal that sent starter Kevin Gausman and reliever Darren O’Day to Atlanta.
After bouncing between Baltimore and the Tampa Bay Rays, Phillips found his breakthrough in August 2021 when the Los Angeles Dodgers claimed him off waivers. Under Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior, Phillips redesigned his slider and cutter, unlocking devastating horizontal sweep and pinpoint command.
Over the next four seasons in Chavez Ravine, Phillips transformed into one of the sport's most lethal relievers, posting a microscopic 1.48 ERA across 2022 and 2023 and racking up 48 saves. In October 2024, he served as a central weapon in Dave Roberts’ bullpen, helping propel the Dodgers to a World Series championship, as documented by Dodgers Nation.
Home venues and historic diamonds
Truist Park: 755 Battery Avenue SE, Atlanta, Georgia (Coordinates: 33.8907° N, 84.4677° W). The home ballpark of the Atlanta Braves where Phillips will anchor the bullpen across the 2027 through 2029 seasons.
Dodger Stadium: 1000 Vin Scully Avenue, Los Angeles, California (Coordinates: 34.0739° N, 118.2400° W). Where Phillips spent four dominant seasons, claiming a 2024 World Series ring and establishing his reputation as an elite closer.
Brooks Field: University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina. Where Phillips starred for the Seahawks before being drafted by Atlanta in 2015.
Chronology of Evan Phillips' baseball career
June 2015: The Atlanta Braves select Phillips in the 17th round of the MLB Draft out of UNC Wilmington.
July 3, 2018: Phillips makes his MLB debut with the Braves at Yankee Stadium in New York.
July 31, 2018: Traded to the Baltimore Orioles as part of the trade deadline package for Kevin Gausman.
August 16, 2021: Los Angeles Dodgers claim Phillips off waivers from Tampa Bay.
2022–2023: Emerges as baseball’s most unhittable reliever, maintaining a 1.48 ERA over 126 appearances.
October 2024: Captures the World Series title with the Dodgers, tossing scoreless October relief.
November 12, 2026: Returns to Atlanta on a 3-year, $35 million free-agent contract.
