Cuban pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr. is set to make his comeback to Major League Baseball, having reportedly agreed to a deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, as reported by Robert Murray from FanSided.
The contract is contingent upon the left-hander passing a physical examination, and the team has yet to make an official announcement.
Dubbed "Nasty Nestor," Cortes is making his return after missing the entire 2026 season. He underwent surgery in October 2025 to repair a torn tendon in his left arm, with an expected recovery period of nine to ten months.
Before finalizing his agreement with Philadelphia, the Cuban pitcher showcased his skills in bullpen sessions for scouts from multiple clubs, catching the attention of the Yankees, Red Sox, and Chicago White Sox, as noted by journalist Francys Romero on social media.
Challenges of the 2025 Season
The 2025 season was particularly challenging for the 31-year-old pitcher. The Yankees traded him to Milwaukee in December 2024 for reliever Devin Williams, but with the Brewers, he pitched only eight innings with a 9.00 ERA before being sidelined with a left elbow flexor strain.
Eventually, the Brewers traded him to the San Diego Padres at the end of July 2025. There, he made six starts with a 5.47 ERA before returning to the injured list in September due to left bicep tendinitis, which necessitated the October surgery.
Filling a Key Role for the Phillies
The addition of Cortes addresses a clear need for the Phillies, who hold a 69-58 record and trail the Atlanta Braves by 5.5 games in the National League East, while maintaining a one-game lead in the wildcard race. They failed to acquire a starting pitcher at the August 3 trade deadline and lack seasoned depth beyond their main rotation of Cristopher Sánchez, Zack Wheeler, Jesus Luzardo, Aaron Nola, and Andrew Painter.
Murray suggests that Cortes might serve as a sixth starter to keep the rotation fresh, or more likely, he could serve as a long reliever as he continues to regain his form. "The struggles of Nola and Painter at times this season make having an additional Major League-ready option a valuable asset for Don Mattingly," the journalist commented.
Looking Back at Cortes' Best Season
Cortes' peak performance was recorded in 2022 with the Yankees, where he achieved a 12-4 record, a 2.44 ERA, and 163 strikeouts over 158.1 innings, earning him an All-Star selection alongside Yordan Alvarez. Over his eight seasons in the majors, he has accumulated a 3.94 ERA and 564 strikeouts in 555.2 innings.
Philadelphia hopes this signing will provide the depth they missed at the trade deadline, allowing Cortes the chance to prove his recovery is complete as the Phillies continue their pursuit of a divisional title.
Nestor Cortes' Return to MLB: Key Facts
What team has Nestor Cortes signed with?
Nestor Cortes has signed a contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Why did Nestor Cortes miss the 2026 season?
Cortes missed the 2026 season due to a tendon tear in his left arm, which required surgery in October 2025.
How did the Phillies address their pitching needs?
The Phillies signed Nestor Cortes to provide depth, as they did not acquire a starting pitcher at the trade deadline and needed more experienced options.