Nestor Cortes has been sidelined from the majors throughout the 2026 season after undergoing arm surgery late last year.
The former New York Yankees pitcher recently resumed throwing, attracting interest from several teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies.
Now, according to FanSided’s Robert Murray, Cortes has reached an agreement to join Philadelphia.
The 31-year-old left-hander has reportedly agreed to a Major League contract with the Phillies. His role has yet to be determined, as Philadelphia could use him either as a starter or out of the bullpen.
Cortes was originally selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 36th round of the 2013 MLB Draft and later chosen by the Orioles in the 2017 Rule 5 Draft, making his MLB debut as a reliever that same year.
He has since pitched for the Yankees, Seattle Mariners, Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres.
Cortes enjoyed the finest season of his career in 2022 with New York, posting a 12-4 record and a 2.44 ERA while earning his first All-Star selection.
He also finished eighth in American League Cy Young voting that year. Across his MLB career, Cortes owns a 35-25 record with a 3.80 ERA over 94 starts and 143 total appearances.
The Phillies enter the latest development at 69-58, sitting second in the NL East and holding the National League’s second Wild Card position.
They are one game ahead of the Padres for the final Wild Card spot and three games clear of the Diamondbacks. With the postseason race tightening, Philadelphia will hope Cortes can eventually provide valuable pitching depth as the club continues its series against the Miami Marlins.
