A Crafty Lefty Returns
The Philadelphia Phillies have added a new arm to their mix. According to MLB.According to reports, the club is signing left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes to a Major League contract. The deal is pending a physical, but the team expects him to join the active roster soon. This move targets a rotation that has struggled outside its top three starters. Cortes brings a different style to the mound. He is known for using command and deception rather than pure speed.
At 31 years old, Cortes has seen better days. His last full season came in 2024 with the New York Yankees. He made 30 starts and posted a 3.77 ERA across 174.1 innings. That year earned him an All-Star nod and an eighth-place finish in AL Cy Young balloting. His best season was 2022, when he went 12-4 with a 2.44 ERA. Those numbers show what he can do when healthy. The Phillies are betting on that version of the pitcher.
Injury Woes and Recent Form
Health has been a major issue for the veteran recently. Last October, Cortes had surgery to fix a biceps tear in his throwing arm. Since September 3, 2025, he has not played in any major league game. Before that, he dealt with a flexor strain that limited him to just eight games last season. He split time between the Milwaukee Brewers and the San Diego Padres. His performance in those short stints was rough. He finished with a 6.29 ERA in 34.1 innings, per The Good Phight.
Velocity was also a concern in his last look. His fastball averaged just 90 MPH, down from his career norm of around 92 MPH. He gave up 13 home runs in those 34.1 innings. That rate of 3.4 home runs per nine innings is high. Although Aaron Nola’s rate stands at just 2, this season he tops the majors with 30 home runs allowed.1 per nine. The Phillies need to see if his stuff has come back. The major league contract suggests they are ready to take the risk.
The Phillies have well-documented struggles beyond their big three. Cristopher Sánchez, Zack Wheeler, and Jesús Luzardo form the core. The other spots have been shaky. Aaron Nola holds a 5.33 ERA, while Andrew Painter sits at 6.43. Cortes could take a spot in the rotation or push Painter back to Triple-A. Fansided’s Robert Murray first reported that the Phillies had agreed to terms. The club was in desperate need of starting pitching depth.
Cortes might also help the bullpen if needed. The relief corps has faced injuries and inconsistency. Brad Keller underwent surgery to end his season. José Alvarado and Brooks Raley have struggled to find their footing. “Nasty Nestor” will pitch in his ninth season when he appears for the Phillies. He has a career 3.94 ERA. The team needs answers now. If he can return to his 2022 form, this signing could be a smart low-risk move. If not, the rotation remains a work in progress.
