Phillies Make Decision On Former Yankees All-Star With Playoffs Looming
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NEW YORK, NY - MAY 13: Nestor Cortes #65 of the New York Yankees looks on during the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on May 13, 2023, in New York City, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesThe Philadelphia Phillies have spent much of the season trying to build enough pitching depth to withstand the demands of a postseason push. With October approaching, the club has continued looking for experienced arms that could give the rotation or bullpen another option.
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“Philadelphia’s starting pitching depth is among the team’s greatest weaknesses right now,” Charlotte Varnes noted for The Athletic. “The Phillies do not necessarily need excellence, but another competent starter would go a long way as the team pushes toward October.”
That need pushed the Phillies to take a chance on a pitcher who was recently one of the New York Yankees’ best starters.
Nestor Cortes built his reputation in the Bronx with an unconventional pitching style and productive seasons, including an All-Star 2022 campaign, but injuries have dramatically altered his career trajectory.
Now, the Phillies are taking the next step with Cortes as he works his way back to a major-league mound.
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The Phillies signed the 31-year-old left-hander last month after he underwent surgery following the 2025 season. Rather than immediately throwing him into a major league role, the Phillies began his comeback in the minor leagues.
That process has now progressed to Triple-A, bringing Cortes close to the big league roster.
“Veteran pitcher Nestor Cortes’ next appearance will be in Triple-A, according to (Phillies manager Don) Mattingly, after he allowed one run in one inning Tuesday night for Low-A Clearwater,” Scott Lauber reported for The Philadelphia Inquirer. “The Phillies took a flier last month by signing the 31-year-old lefty, who had surgery after last season on a torn biceps tendon.”
Cortes brings considerably more major league experience than a typical minor league depth signing and it’s possible that a quick audition in Triple-A could land him back in the big leagues before the end of the regular season.
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Cortes became a fan favorite with the Yankees after returning to the organization in 2021. His distinctive delivery and pitch selection earned him the nickname “Nasty Nestor,” and he established himself as a legitimate rotation piece.
His breakthrough came in 2022, when Cortes earned his first All-Star selection after going 12-4 with a 2.44 ERA across 28 games. He followed that performance by remaining an important part of New York’s rotation, including an Opening Day assignment in 2024.
The Phillies are hoping some version of that pitcher can eventually emerge again.
“The Phillies have gotten better starts from the latter half of their rotation lately, with Aaron Nola improving and Andrew Painter showing signs of progress,” Cole Weintraub wrote for NBC Sports Philadelphia. “But Cortes gives them another experienced arm who could potentially work as a swingman between the rotation and bullpen.”
That versatility could become particularly valuable if Philadelphia reaches October and needs additional options to navigate a demanding postseason pitching schedule.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com