The Atlanta Braves have signed Evan Phillips to a three-year, $35 million contract to strengthen their bullpen, as reported by NBC Sports.
Phillips joins the organization as a high-leverage arm despite a history of injury concerns, according to MLB.
The pitcher has accumulated only 31.2 innings over the past two seasons, noted Baseball-Reference.
When healthy, Phillips has been highly effective, maintaining a 2.84 ERA with 39 strikeouts since 2025.
The move arrives as the team evaluates the future of closer Raisel Iglesias, who remains a free agent after a season where he recorded 34 saves, per data from FanGraphs.
While the team may move on from Iglesias, the club is also shifting its internal pitching strategy.
Didier Fuentes, who served as a successful bullpen asset this past season with a 2.45 ERA, is slated to return to the starting rotation in 2027, according to FanGraphs.
The organization announced the arrival of Phillips on social media, stating, “Welcome back to #BravesCountry, @EvanPhillips36!”
Beat writer Mark Bowman provided further context on the transition, noting, “By signing Evan Phillips, the Braves have filled one their bullpen voids with another high-leverage option.”
Bowman added that the role for Fuentes will be determined during Spring Training after he is stretched out as a starter.
The front office now faces a critical window before Dec. 1 to finalize roster decisions ahead of a potential labor lockout.
Despite these uncertainties, the team appears focused on maintaining its status as a top contender in Major League Baseball.
The bullpen is expected to remain a core strength for the team entering the 2027 season.