Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Evan Phillips

How Evan Phillips built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Evan Phillips is a professional Major League Baseball pitcher known for his effective relief work. Originally drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 2015, he navigated various organizations before establishing himself as a premier high-leverage reliever with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Phillips gained significant recognition for his role in the Dodgers' bullpen, characterized by his ability to consistently neutralize opposing hitters with a sharp pitch mix, particularly his signature sweeper. His career serves as a notable example of a late-blooming talent who refined his mechanics and repertoire to become a cornerstone of a championship-caliber team. As a key arm in late-inning situations, he has become a respected figure in modern baseball analytics and strategy, consistently delivering reliable performance in tight games.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2012: 2012 MLB Draft Selection

In 2012, Evan Phillips was selected by the Kansas City Royals during the 33rd round of the Major League Baseball draft, though he ultimately chose not to sign with the organization.

2015: MLB Draft Selection and Professional Debut

In 2015, Evan Phillips was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 17th round of the Major League Baseball draft and began his professional career playing for the Danville Braves and Rome Braves, finishing with a 2-3 record.

2016: Minor League Advancement and Arizona Fall League

During the 2016 season, Phillips played for the Carolina Mudcats and the Mississippi Braves, achieving an 8-4 record. Following the season in 2016, he participated in the Arizona Fall League as a member of the Salt River Rafters.

2017: Season with Mississippi and Gwinnett

In 2017, Phillips split his playing time between the Mississippi Braves and the Gwinnett Braves, recording a 3-4 record across 51.1 innings pitched.

June 23, 2018: Call up to the Atlanta Braves

On June 23, 2018, Evan Phillips received his first major league call-up to the Atlanta Braves organization.

July 31, 2018: Trade to the Baltimore Orioles

On July 31, 2018, Evan Phillips was traded by the Atlanta Braves along with Jean Carlos Encarnacion, Brett Cumberland, Bruce Zimmermann, and international signing money to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for Kevin Gausman and Darren O'Day.

2018: Start of the 2018 Season

Evan Phillips began the 2018 baseball season playing for the Gwinnett Stripers.

2019: Split Season Between Norfolk and Baltimore

During the 2019 season, Evan Phillips split his playing time between the Baltimore Orioles, where he appeared in 25 games, and the Norfolk Tides, where he appeared in 27 games.

2020: 2020 Pandemic-Shortened Season Performance and Outright Assignment

In 2020, during a season shortened by the pandemic, Phillips recorded a 5.02 ERA with 20 strikeouts over 14.1 innings across 14 games. On September 30, 2020, he was outrighted off the 40-man roster but continued his tenure with Norfolk.

August 3, 2021: Signed minor league deal with Tampa Bay Rays

On August 3, 2021, professional baseball player Evan Phillips officially signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays organization.

August 16, 2021: Los Angeles Dodgers Claim Evan Phillips Off Waivers

On August 16, 2021, Evan Phillips officially joined the Los Angeles Dodgers organization after being claimed off of waivers, marking a significant transition in his professional baseball career.

2021: Performance with the Tides

Throughout the 2021 season, Evan Phillips recorded 18 appearances for the Tides, maintaining a 5.04 ERA while securing 35 strikeouts.

2022: 2022 MLB Season Performance

During the 2022 season, Evan Phillips established himself as a key pitcher for his team, appearing in a team-high 64 games. He finished the year with a 7–3 record, a 1.14 ERA, and 77 strikeouts, further demonstrating his capability by pitching 3 and 1/3 scoreless innings during the 2022 NLDS.

2023: Transition to Dodgers Closer

In 2023, Evan Phillips took on the role of closer for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Over 62 games, he recorded 24 saves across 61 and 1/3 innings, maintaining a 2.05 ERA with 66 strikeouts, and also contributed 2 and 1/3 scoreless innings in the 2023 NLDS.

2024: 2024 Season Performance and Injury

During the 2024 season, Evan Phillips maintained a 5–1 record with a 3.43 ERA, 63 strikeouts, and 18 saves across 61 games. Despite a strong postseason performance where he pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings, he suffered an arm injury in the NLCS that kept him off the 2024 World Series roster.

February 11, 2026: Evan Phillips re-signs with Dodgers

On February 11, 2026, Evan Phillips reached an agreement to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers, signing a one-year contract valued at $6.5 million.

2026: Non-tendered by the Dodgers

On November 21, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers decided not to tender Evan Phillips a contract for the 2026 season, effectively making him a free agent.