Left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes signed a Major League contract with the Phillies on Wednesday and was optioned to Single-A Clearwater.
To make room for Cortes on the 40-man roster, right-hander Brian Keller was designated for assignment.
Cortes, 31, pitched for the Brewers and Padres in 2025. He started last season in Milwaukee as part of the Devin Williams trade with the Yankees, appearing in just two games before a left elbow flexor strain derailed his season. The Brewers dealt him to the Padres at the Trade Deadline for Brandon Lockridge, and Cortes started six games for the Friars to wrap up the year. He finished with a 6.29 ERA in eight starts.
Cortes, a free agent for all of 2026 to this point, underwent surgery on his throwing arm last October but is healthy now and had interest from multiple teams before agreeing to terms in Philadelphia, according to Fansided’s Robert Murray.
“I think it’s depth. It’s another guy that’s got experience," said interim manager Don Mattingly on Cortes' addition. "And obviously when you sign him, they think he’s throwing the ball pretty good.”
The Phillies have had well-documented struggles in their starting rotation beyond the three-headed monster of Cristopher Sánchez, Zack Wheeler and Jesús Luzardo. The final two rotation spots are currently occupied by Aaron Nola (5.12 ERA) and Andrew Painter (6.43 ERA).
Perhaps Cortes could provide answers in the bullpen, too, as the Phillies have also dealt with injuries and inconsistency there. Key free-agent signing Brad Keller underwent surgery to end his season, and expected contributors like José Alvarado and trade acquisition Brooks Raley have struggled.
“Nasty Nestor” will pitch in his ninth season in the big leagues when he appears for the Phillies. A 36th-round pick of the Yankees in 2013, Cortes debuted with the Orioles in 2018 but did not catch on before returning to the Bronx.
He appeared in 22 games in 2021 to the tune of a 2.90 ERA before earning a full-time rotation spot in 2022. He had a 2.44 ERA for the Yankees, leading to his only career All-Star nod. In total, Cortes owns a 3.94 ERA in his career.