The Boston Red Sox are remaining ever-vigilant across all corners of the free agent market as they look to bolster their pitching staff.
While many fans are waiting for the Red Sox to sign a big-name starter, the necessity to fill out all aspects of the staff remains. Sometimes, low-key moves are important to enhance the margins, and that’s just what CBO Craig Breslow appears to be doing with veteran right-hander Evan Phillips.
The Dodgers reliever — now a free agent — is coming off of Tommy John, which should make his price point lower than his pitch quality suggests. According to The Boston Globe’s Tim Healey, Breslow and the Red Sox’s front office have checked in with Phillips recently.
Phillips’ MLB career kicked off in 2018 with brief, turbulent stints for the Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Orioles, where he posted a 10.19 ERA over 11 23 innings. After minor-league seasoning and a 2021 cup of coffee with the Tampa Bay Rays, Phillips latched on with the Dodgers, transforming into a lockdown reliever. Across five Los Angeles seasons through 2025, he tallied a sharp 2.22 ERA in 201 games, amassing 45 saves, 221 strikeouts, and a 1.13 WHIP over 195 innings.
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His ascent peaked in 2022 with a 1.14 ERA across 64 outings and seven wins, then he solidified his value in 2023 with 24 saves and a 2.05 mark in 62 appearances.
Injuries derailed 2025 for Phillips, however. A rotator cuff strain delayed his start, limiting him to seven spotless relief stints (5 2/3 innings, six punchouts, one save) before Tommy John surgery in June ended his year. On November 21, the Dodgers non-tendered the 31-year-old, thrusting him into free agency. Rehab underway, Phillips eyes a mid-2026 comeback.
Featured image via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
