Former All-Star left-hander Nestor Cortes has agreed to a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, pending a physical. The deal includes a $1.5 million salary while in the majors and $250,000 in the minors. As part of the agreement, Cortes consented to being optioned to Class A Clearwater. To open a 40-man roster spot, right-hander Brian Keller was designated for assignment.

Cortes, 31, has not pitched in the majors since Sept. 3, 2025, with San Diego. His 2025 season was marked by inconsistency and injury, posting a 2-4 record with a 6.29 ERA across eight starts for Milwaukee and San Diego. He missed significant time due to a left flexor tendon strain from April 4 to Aug. 6 and later dealt with left biceps tendinitis.

Over his eight-year career, Cortes has compiled a 35-25 record with a 3.94 ERA in 143 appearances (94 starts and 49 relief outings) for Baltimore, the New York Yankees, Seattle, Milwaukee, and San Diego. He earned All-Star honors in 2022 with a 12-4 record and 2.44 ERA. Most notably, he allowed a walk-off grand slam to Freddie Freeman in Game 1 of the 2024 World Series.