Assessing Evan Phillips’ Singing With The Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves added Evan Phillips to their roster through a three-year, $35 million contract. This signing bolsters the team's already strong bullpen. Phillips will serve as a high-leverage arm in the back end of the bullpen.

Phillips has faced injuries over the past two seasons, only throwing 31.2 innings across 38 appearances. However, when he has pitched, he has been effective. Since 2025, Phillips boasts a 2.84 ERA (151 ERA+) and 39 strikeouts to just eight total walks.

If Phillips can stay healthy, he will be a significant addition to the bullpen. His presence provides a clearer picture for other offseason moves, particularly in the pitching department. The Braves welcomed back Phillips with the hashtag #BravesCountry.

Phillips' signing might signal that Atlanta is moving on from Raisel Iglesias, who has been the team's closer over the past two seasons. Iglesias is a free agent and could be replaced by another arm in the bullpen.

Robert Suarez, the Braves' closer last offseason, could also step back into that role. Suarez, who didn't close during his first season with Atlanta, might be a candidate to replace Iglesias.

Didier Fuentes, who has been a starting pitcher, is set to return to the rotation in 2027. The Braves plan for him to join the rotation after a successful stint out of the bullpen this season, where he posted a 2.45 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 73.1 innings pitched.

The Braves have now fortified one of the best bullpens in MLB. While there are other roster gaps to address, the bullpen should prove to be a strength for the team in 2027. The offseason will be crucial as the Braves need to finalize their roster before a potential lockout.