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

PUBLISHED Aug 19, 2026, 4:40 PM ET

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

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 14
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
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Explain Framing

Left: Framing emphasizes Cortes's injury history and team's cautious depth need. · Center: Framing focuses on the low-risk signing and potential contribution. · Right: Framing might criticise the front office's decision as insufficient or late.