The Philadelphia Phillies are in discussions with left-hander Nestor Cortes on a potential deal, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive. Cortes has reportedly been out for all of 2026 while recovering from surgery on his left arm, with no guarantee he will be able to pitch this season. However, he could serve as a multi-inning option for the final month and potentially the postseason, as reported by NBC Sports.
Cortes, 31, has not pitched since 2025 after undergoing surgery in mid-October of that year. The procedure, reported by independent journalist Francys Romero, was designed to repair a small tendon tear in his left arm. Multiple reports indicate he had a nine-to-ten-month return timetable following the surgery.
Background and recent performance
Cortes spent 2021 through 2024 with the New York Yankees, where he emerged as one of the game's better left-handers. In his first two seasons as a starter, he posted a 2.61 ERA over 50 appearances. His Yankees tenure ended memorably when he allowed a walk-off grand slam to the Dodgers' Freddie Freeman in the opening game of the 2024 World Series.
Last season, Cortes split time between the Milwaukee Brewers and the San Diego Padres, struggling to a 6.29 ERA before his injury. He was limited to just eight starts due to the arm issue and has been on the shelf since September 5 with tendinitis in his left biceps. In those eight starts, he gave up 13 home runs, though 12 of those came in three outings, and finished with a 5.06 ERA, a 1.44 WHIP, and a 27/17 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 32 innings.
Cortes's season was also marked by an ejection during a lengthy mound visit in the fourth inning of one game. Earlier in that same start, he retired the first 16 batters he faced until Miguel Rojas singled with one out in the sixth.
Phillies' interest and rotation context
According to The Athletic's Matt Gelb and Charlotte Varnes, the Phillies were prioritizing the acquisition of a starting pitcher ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline. Although they ultimately did not target that position before the window closed, Varnes later reported that the club sought a starter in the hours leading up to the deadline. This recent interest suggests a deliberate effort to bolster their pitching depth, as reported by Bleacher Report.
Philadelphia's rotation is currently led by Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sánchez, and Jesús Luzardo, with Aaron Nola and Andrew Painter behind them. Cortes could provide bullpen depth as he continues his rehab, and if he returns to his former starting role by season's end, he might challenge Painter for a rotation spot or serve as a sixth starter during a postseason push.
Contract and free agency
Cortes was on an expiring deal when he underwent surgery and subsequently entered unrestricted free agency while recovering over the offseason. Reports indicate he is expected to receive an MLB deal with the Phillies, which would be prorated given the late stage of the season. He shared a video on social media Wednesday of himself throwing off the mound, signaling progress in his recovery.
Cortes's return to the mound could be imminent, but his effectiveness and role with the Phillies remain to be determined. The team faces a critical stretch as it looks to solidify its pitching staff for the postseason.