What's Happening?
The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly considering signing Evan Phillips, a pitcher from the Los Angeles Dodgers, who is currently recovering from an elbow injury. Phillips, who made only seven appearances
in the 2025 season before his injury, is not expected to return until after the All-Star break in the 2026 season. Despite this, the Blue Jays see potential value in signing him due to his impressive track record since 2022, where he ranked sixth in reliever ERA among qualifiers. The Blue Jays are contemplating a two or three-year deal with club options, allowing them to opt out if Phillips does not recover well. This move is seen as a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for the Blue Jays, who struggled with bullpen performance in the past season.
Why It's Important?
Signing Evan Phillips could significantly impact the Blue Jays' bullpen, which has been a weak point in their recent performances. Phillips' ability to maintain a low home run rate and his strong strikeout-to-walk ratio make him an attractive option for the team. If Phillips recovers well, he could provide the Blue Jays with a reliable reliever for the latter part of the 2026 season, potentially improving their chances in close games. This strategic move reflects the Blue Jays' efforts to strengthen their roster and address past deficiencies, aiming to enhance their competitiveness in future seasons.
What's Next?
If the Blue Jays proceed with signing Phillips, they will closely monitor his recovery process. The team will likely evaluate his progress and readiness to return to play, aiming for him to contribute during the critical stretch run in September 2026. The decision to sign Phillips could also influence other roster moves, as the Blue Jays balance their bullpen needs with financial considerations. The outcome of this potential signing will depend on Phillips' rehabilitation and the Blue Jays' assessment of his ability to perform at a high level post-injury.
