Dodgers suffer first big offseason loss as former closer gets giant contract from Braves

Evan Phillips has left the Los Angeles Dodgers to join the Atlanta Braves on a three-year, $35 million contract, ending his six-year spell with the club. His departure matters because he was a key reliever and closer for the Dodgers, while Atlanta is looking to strengthen after being eliminated by Los Angeles in the National League Division Series.

Phillips, 32, recorded a 2.21 ERA and a team-high 44 saves from 2022 to 2024, helping the Dodgers win the 2024 World Series, though a shoulder injury kept him out of the Fall Classic. Elbow surgery limited him to seven appearances in 2025, but he returned this season and posted a 2.33 ERA over his final 24 outings. Other Dodgers relievers Alex Vesia, Brusdar Graterol and Blake Treinen are also free agents.