Short-lived Padres starter signs surprising major league deal with Phillies

Nestor Cortes has found his way back to the majors, although Padres fans have probably forgotten that he even left. The Phillies signed the former Padres left-hander to a major-league contract. Cortes has utilized the entire 2026 season so far recovering from surgery to repair a torn tendon in his throwing arm, so Philly is taking a late-season gamble on a pitcher who remains a considerable question mark.

It’s surprising to see him land a major league deal instead of a prove-it minor league contract this late in the season. But hey, the Phillies clearly saw enough to skip the audition.

They’re searching for additional pitching depth as they navigate a crowded NL playoff race. Cortes gives them a recognizable veteran with starting experience, postseason exposure and enough deception to survive without overpowering velo. That’s of course provided that his arm cooperates.

Phillies are betting on the version of Nestor Cortes San Diego never had

The Padres acquired Cortes, shortstop prospect Jorge Quintana and cash from the Milwaukee Brewers at the 2025 trade deadline. The Padres sent outfielder Brandon Lockridge to Milwaukee in return. To no surprise, A.J. Preller needed innings for a depleted rotation, and Cortes was an inexpensive veteran to put in the rotation down the stretch. 

The payout was modest at best. Cortes made six starts for the Friars, recording a 5.47 ERA across 26 1/3 innings. His fastball lacked its old life, his command was dodgy and opposing hitters punished him for it. There was one memorable exception: six scoreless innings against the Dodgers that briefly showed Padres fans the crafty left-hander who once finished eighth in American League Cy Young voting. However, that version didn’t stick around long.

Cortes surrendered four home runs during his final Padres appearance and landed on the IL with left biceps tendinitis shortly afterward. Doctors eventually discovered the tendon tear that required surgery. His Padres tenure ended with six starts, one excellent afternoon and very little else.

The entire deal still has time to produce value because Quintana remains part of the Padres’ organization. Milwaukee also covered most of Cortes’ remaining salary, limiting San Diego’s financial exposure. This was an unsuccessful deadline dart, not a franchise-changing disaster by any means..

Philadelphia apparently believes there might still be something worth recovering. Cortes succeeded at his peak through timing and an assortment of funky deliveries. His margin for error became razor-thin once his velocity went down. A healthy arm could allow him to help the Phillies as a multi-inning reliever or emergency starter. Anything more would be found money.

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