Dodgers World Series champion among pitching options for Tigers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
We already know that the Detroit Tigers will attempt to add a few veterans to their pitching unit this offseason.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhether that means adding someone to the rotation or to the back end of the bullpen, it’s almost a given that Detroit will be looking for a few arms.
One that could make sense is 31-year-old Evan Phillips, who has been with the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2021 and has thrown the baseball at a relatively high level.
According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, Phillips is now one of five new free agents who could make sense in Detroit. Phillips was recently non-tendered by the Dodgers.
“Phillips, an eight-year MLB veteran, will miss most of the 2026 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in early June to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBefore the surgery, he logged 5⅔ scoreless innings with two walks and six strikeouts in seven relief appearances. From 2021-24, Phillips pitched in 194 games for the Dodgers, serving as one of their most reliable relievers. He posted a 2.28 ERA with a 6.7% walk rate and 29% strikeout rate across 189⅓ innings during those four seasons. When healthy, his sweeper-fastball combination generates whiffs at an elite rate – something the Tigers desperately need in their bullpen,” he wrote.
Reports have indicated that Los Angeles could be interested in bringing Phillips back, but if he has a better opportunity in Detroit and the Tigers are willing to give him a bit more money, he might be interested in returning closer to home after growing up in Salisbury, Maryland.
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