Reports: Phillies sign free agent LHP Nestor Cortes

Sep 3, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Nestor Cortes (65) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images Free-agent left-hander Nestor Cortes has signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, multiple outlets reported Wednesday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed for Cortes, who could work as a potential sixth starter or out of the bullpen. Cortes, 31, has returned to health after undergoing surgery on a torn biceps tendon in his throwing arm in October. The former All-Star split last season with the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres, compiling a combined 2-4 record with a 6.29 ERA in eight starts. Cortes owns a 35-25 record with a 3.94 ERA in 143 career games (94 starts) with the Baltimore Orioles (2018), New York Yankees (2019, 2021-24), Seattle Mariners (2020), Brewers and Padres. --Field Level Media