Full Breakdown
Phillies Sign Veteran Left-Hander Nestor Cortes to Bolster Stretch-Run Pitching Depth
8/20/2026, 1:42:21 AM
Core Transaction
The Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a major-league contract with left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes, a 31-year-old former New York Yankees starter. The deal, first reported by Fansided’s Robert Murray and confirmed by MLB.com as pending a physical, was announced in mid-August, roughly two weeks after the trade deadline.
Recent Performance and Injury Background
Cortes missed the entire 2025 season after undergoing surgery in October to repair a torn left-arm biceps tendon; he has not pitched since that time. In 2024 he logged a 3.77 ERA across 31 appearances (30 starts) for the Yankees. The following year, split between the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres, he posted a 6.29 ERA in eight starts. Over his eight-year career he has a 3.94 ERA, highlighted by a 2.44 ERA in 158 1/3 innings during his All-Star 2022 season with New York.
Phillies’ Pitching Situation
Philadelphia’s rotation entering the final month of the season includes Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo, Aaron Nola, and Andrew Painter, who was recalled on July 31 to fill the fifth spot. The club has relied on bullpen games to cover the rotation’s fifth slot, prompting concerns about depth if injuries arise. Team officials, including manager Don Mattingly, view Cortes as a flexible option—potentially a swingman who can start, serve as a long reliever, or provide spot-starting support. The move mirrors the Phillies’ earlier acquisition of veteran Walker Buehler, who transitioned from a minor-league deal to a major-league role in September.
Impact on Playoff Push
By adding Cortes, the Phillies gain a proven big-league arm capable of filling multiple roles, which could alleviate the strain on the existing rotation as the team pursues a postseason berth. Should a starter become unavailable, Cortes is expected to be the first call-up, superseding minor-league options such as Alan Rangel and Brian Keller. His presence also offers the bullpen an additional long-relief option, potentially reducing the workload on existing relievers.
Next Steps
Cortes must complete his physical before the contract becomes official. The Phillies may assign him to a short rehab stint in the minors before integrating him into the major-league roster, depending on his health assessment and the team’s immediate pitching needs.
