RADIO
Evan Phillips 2024 Player Outlook: Undervalued Reliever In A Great Spot To Provide Value
11 months agoEvan Phillips emerged as the Dodgers closer in 2023 and it's easy to see why. After posting a 1.14 ERA in 2022 (63.0 IP), Phillips had a 2-4 W-L record, 2.05 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 66 Ks and 24 saves (61.1 IP) last year. Entering the season, there were concerns that Phillips would be in a job share or lose the role to Daniel Hudson when he returned from the IL. Hudson ended up pitching three innings all year and Phillips dominated in the role. His 3.37 xFIP and 3.08 SIERA suggest we will see regression in 2024. But he also had a 2.72 xFIP and 2.34 SIERA in 2022 so that's now two consecutive years in which he's outperformed his underlying numbers. That is also assisted by his excellent strikeout and walk numbers. Phillips' 28.2% K% ranked in the 83rd percentile while his 5.6% BB% ranked in the 88th percentile. His 22.6% K-BB% ranked 23rd among the 162 qualified relievers and those numbers provide a solid floor. Phillips once again is finding himself being drafted outside the top tier of closers. And once again, he is set to reward fantasy managers who draft him.
