The Atlanta Braves confirmed on Thursday that the organization has finalized a deal with free agent reliever Evan Phillips.
The veteran right-hander agreed to a three-year contract worth $35 million, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
This move marks a return to the team where Phillips first debuted in the major leagues back in 2018.
Phillips spent his most recent seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he recorded a 3.46 ERA across 31 games last year.
During that campaign, he struck out 33 batters in 26 innings and finished with a 3-2 record, according to ESPN.
The pitcher showed significant improvement late in the season, maintaining a 1.46 ERA over his final 14 appearances.
He also proved effective during the postseason, where he did not allow a single run in five outings.
The signing comes as the team monitors his recovery from a rotator cuff issue and subsequent Tommy John surgery performed in May 2025.
Before the injury, Phillips was a dominant force for the Dodgers from 2022 to 2024, posting a 2.21 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP.
During that three-year span, he recorded 44 saves and struck out 206 hitters over 179 innings.
The Braves are making a substantial financial commitment to secure his services despite the recent medical history.
This contract is a significant increase from the one-year, $6.5 million deal he signed with the Dodgers last season.
Over the course of his nine-year career, which included stops with the Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays, Phillips holds a 19-14 record with 47 saves.
His career ERA currently sits at 3.37, providing the Braves with a seasoned arm to navigate high-pressure situations.
The team views the addition as a way to strengthen a bullpen that is already considered among the best in baseball.
By adding Phillips, Atlanta aims to maintain its competitive edge in the National League while addressing specific late-inning needs.
The organization has not released additional details regarding the structure of the new contract at this time.
