Phillies sign Nestor Cortes to major league deal

The Phillies have officially signed former Yankees All-Star lefty Nestor Cortes to a major league deal. He is coming off biceps surgery and hasn't pitched since Sept 2025. This adds rotation/bullpen depth, potentially addressing concerns about Wheeler's velocity dip and Painter's inconsistency. The move is considered low-risk, high-reward if he returns to form.