The Atlanta Braves moved quickly in free agency on Thursday, November 12, signing former Los Angeles Dodgers closer Evan Phillips to a three-year contract worth $35 million. The deal, the first significant free-agent loss of the Dodgers' offseason, ends Phillips' six-year tenure in Los Angeles, where he had been a key member of the bullpen.

The 32-year-old right-hander was one of several longtime Dodgers relievers to reach the market this offseason, alongside Alex Vesia, Brusdar Graterol and Blake Treinen. Phillips had been a potential re-signing candidate, but the deal he received exceeded what he had been projected to earn. The Braves, who were eliminated by the Dodgers in the National League Division Series in October, are attempting to rebound from that defeat.S1

Phillips joined the Dodgers as an unheralded waiver claim in 2021 and became one of their best relievers. From 2022 to 2024 he posted a 2.21 ERA with a team-high 44 saves and was part of the 2024 World Series team, though a shoulder injury kept him out of that Fall Classic. A 2025 elbow injury led to Tommy John surgery, but he returned in the second half of this season and posted a 1.46 ERA over his final 14 appearances, fanning 19 batters. He also made five scoreless appearances for the Dodgers in the 2026 postseason.S1S2

Phillips will join Robert Suarez to form a right-handed duo at the back of the Braves' bullpen, and the signing comes as Atlanta faces the possible loss of veteran closer Raisel Iglesias in free agency. Phillips, who is four years younger than Iglesias, also gives the Braves room to move 21-year-old pitching prospect Didier Fuentes, who posted a 2.45 ERA in relief this season, into their rotation.S2