Phillies Sign Former Yankees All-Star Pitcher

The Philadelphia Phillies have made a notable move for their pitching staff, signing former All-Star, left-hander Nestor Cortes, to a major league deal for the rest of the season.

The Phillies make the Nestor Cortes signing official:

The Phillies have signed LHP Nestor Cortes to a major league contract and have optioned him to single-A Clearwater. To make room for Cortes on the 40-man roster, RHP Brian Keller was designated for assignment.

— Anthony SanFilippo (@AntSanPhilly) August 20, 2026

Cortes spent 2025 struggling with injuries (flexor strain and biceps tendinitis), in a season split between the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres. He underwent offseason surgery for a tendon tear in his throwing arm, and has spent the 2026 season as a free agent while recovering. 

The Phillies will start him off at Single-A Clearwater, and hope that he will be ready to contribute down the stretch. 

Brian Keller has been DFA’d to make room for Cortes on the 40-man roster.

Cortes had received interest from multiple teams before agreeing to terms in Philadelphia, according to Fansided’s Robert Murray. The Phils had been looking for some depth for their rotation, which has been a disaster once you get past their vaunted Top 3 of Cristopher Sánchez, Zack Wheeler and Jesús Luzardo. 

Aaron Nola has a 5.33 ERA, while Andrew Painter has crafted a woeful 6.43 ERA.

Cortes was an All-Star for the Yankees in 2022, and had a 3.61 ERA over five seasons in Pinstripes. His last full season in the bigs, he posted a 3.77 ERA with New York over 30 starts.