Former Yankees Pitcher Lands Phillies Contract, New MLB Rumors Reveal

Left-hander Nestor Cortes is reportedly making his return from arm surgery with the Philadelphia Phillies, according to FanSided's Robert Murray and the New York Post's Jon Heyman.

MassLive's Chris Cotillo first reported the sides were in talks.

Cortes played from 2021 to 2024 for the New York Yankees.

He split last season between the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres before undergoing left arm surgery with a nine to 10 month return timetable last October, per Francys Romero.

Cortes was one of the best left-handers in baseball during his first two seasons as a starter for the Yankees, posting a 2.61 ERA over 50 appearances from 2021 to 2022.

His Yankees career ended with him allowing a walk-off grand slam from the Los Angeles Dodgers' Freddie Freeman in the opening game of the 2024 World Series.

He struggled in his first season away from the Bronx, registering a 6.29 ERA for the Brewers and Padres before undergoing surgery that Romero reported was designed "to repair a small tendon tear in his left arm."

Cortes, who was playing on an expiring deal at the time, hit unrestricted free agency while recovering over the offseason.

He shared a video to social media Wednesday of himself throwing off the mound.

The Athletic's Matt Gelb and Charlotte Varnes reported ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline the Phillies were prioritizing the acquisition of a starting pitcher.

The Phillies didn't end up targeting the position before the trade window closed, although Varnes later reported the club sought a starter "in the hours leading up to the deadline."

Philadelphia's rotation is currently led by Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sánchez and Jesús Luzardo in front of Aaron Nola and Andrew Painter.

Cortes could provide the Phillies with some additional bullpen depth should the club decide to use him in relief as he continues his rehab process.

Should he progress back to his former role as a starter by the end of the season, Cortes could potentially challenge Painter for his spot in the rotation or join in as a sixth man as the Phillies make a push for the postseason.