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Phillies signing lefty Nestor Cortes to MLB deal for depth: Source

PUBLISHED Aug 19, 2026, 4:40 PM ET

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The Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a Major League contract with veteran left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes, according to multiple reports on August 19 . The deal, pending a physical, adds a former All-Star to a team seeking rotation and bullpen depth for the stretch run . Cortes, 31, has not pitched in 2026 after undergoing October surgery to repair a torn biceps tendon in his throwing arm . He recently threw for scouts and drew interest from multiple clubs . Cortes struggled in an injury-shortened 2025 campaign split between the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres, posting a 6.29 ERA in eight starts . He was traded from the Yankees to the Brewers in December 2024 in the Devin Williams deal . The Phillies are betting on his 2022 form, when he went 12-4 with a 2.44 ERA and earned an All-Star selection .

By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

December 10, 1994: Nestor Cortes was born in San Jose de las Lajas, Florida.
· June 2013: Yankees drafted Cortes in the 36th round of MLB Draft.
· July 18, 2022: Cortes named AL All-Star for New York Yankees .
· December 13, 2024: Yankees traded Cortes to Milwaukee Brewers for Devin Williams .
· April 6, 2025: Brewers placed Cortes on 15-day IL with elbow strain .
· July 31, 2025: Brewers traded Cortes to San Diego Padres .
· September 5, 2025: Padres placed Cortes on IL with left biceps tendinitis .
· November 2, 2025: Cortes elected free agency after season's end .
· October 2025: Cortes underwent surgery to repair torn left biceps .
· August 19, 2026: Reports indicate Phillies signed Cortes to MLB deal .
· Late August 2026: Cortes expected to join Phillies after physical completion .
· September 2026: Cortes likely contributes to Phillies' playoff push .
· October 2026: Potential postseason role depends on performance and health .

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Phillies bolster pitching depth for National League playoff race.
Possible long-term US impact: Cortes may secure rotation role if he regains form.
Most affected groups: Phillies fans, team management, and National League wild-card competitors.
Readers should prioritise: Monitor Cortes's physical status and role for Philadelphia.