Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Nestor Cortés Jr.

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Nestor Cortés Jr. made an impact.

Nestor Cortés Jr., nicknamed "Nasty Nestor" and "the Hialeah Kid", is a Cuban-American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the San Diego Padres in Major League Baseball (MLB). Prior to joining the Padres, he played for the Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, and Milwaukee Brewers. He is known for his unconventional pitching style and deceptive deliveries.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2013: Signed with Yankees and Professional Debut

In 2013, Nestor Cortés signed with the New York Yankees, receiving an $85,000 signing bonus, and made his professional debut with the Gulf Coast League Yankees, achieving a 0–1 record with a 4.42 ERA.

2013: Drafted by Yankees

In 2013, the Yankees selected Nestor Cortés in the 36th round of the MLB draft.

2014: Returns to Gulf Coast League Yankees

In 2014, Nestor Cortés returned to the Gulf Coast League Yankees, going 1–2 with a 2.27 ERA in 11 games.

2015: Plays for Pulaski Yankees

In 2015, Nestor Cortés played for the Pulaski Yankees, compiling a 6–3 record with a 2.26 ERA in 12 games.

2016: Progresses through Multiple Leagues

In 2016, Nestor Cortés pitched for the Charleston RiverDogs, Tampa Yankees, Trenton Thunder, and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, achieving a combined 11–4 record with a 1.53 ERA.

2017: Rule 5 Draft and Return to Yankees

In 2017, Nestor Cortés was taken by the Orioles in the Rule 5 draft after the 2017 season.

2017: Selected by Orioles in Rule 5 Draft

In 2017, the Baltimore Orioles selected Nestor Cortés from the Yankees organization in the Rule 5 draft. During spring training with the Orioles, Cortés competed for a spot on the Orioles' Opening Day roster.

2017: Plays with Tampa, Trenton, and RailRiders

Nestor Cortés played in 2017 with Tampa Yankees, Trenton Thunder, and the RailRiders, finishing the season with a 2.06 ERA between the three levels.

April 13, 2018: Returned to Yankees

On April 13, 2018, the Orioles returned Nestor Cortés to the Yankees. He later played for the Estrellas Orientales and learned how to throw a cut fastball.

2018: MLB Debut with Orioles

In 2018, Nestor Cortés made his MLB debut with the Baltimore Orioles before returning to the Yankees.

November 25, 2019: Traded to Seattle Mariners

On November 25, 2019, Nestor Cortés was traded by the Yankees to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for $28,300 of international bonus pool money.

2019: Pitched for Yankees

In 2019, Nestor Cortés pitched for the New York Yankees.

2019: Joins Yankees Major League Roster

In 2019, Nestor Cortés was invited to spring training as a non-roster player but was assigned to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He was promoted to the major leagues on May 9. On June 15, he earned his first major league win. He posted a 5–1 record with a 5.67 ERA in 33 games.

October 22, 2020: Outrighted off Mariners Roster

On October 22, 2020, Nestor Cortés was outrighted off of the Seattle Mariners' 40-man roster and elected free agency.

December 20, 2020: Signed Minor League Contract with Yankees

On December 20, 2020, Nestor Cortés signed a minor league contract to return to the New York Yankees organization.

2020: Pitched for Mariners

In 2020, Nestor Cortés pitched for the Seattle Mariners.

2021: Became Yankees Fan Favorite

In 2021, Nestor Cortés became a favorite of Yankees fans, earning the moniker "Nasty Nestor." He pitched 93 innings over 22 appearances, finishing with a 2.90 ERA and 103 strikeouts.

2021: Rejoined the Yankees

In 2021, Nestor Cortés rejoined the Yankees and established himself in their starting rotation.

November 2022: Intention to Represent USA in World Baseball Classic

In November 2022, Nestor Cortés announced his intention to represent the United States national baseball team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

2022: MLB All-Star Selection

In 2022, Nestor Cortés was selected as an MLB All-Star.

March 2023: Withdrawal from World Baseball Classic

In March 2023, Nestor Cortés withdrew from the World Baseball Classic due to a hamstring injury.

2023: Injured List Placement and Season End

In 2023, Nestor Cortes struggled with a 5.16 ERA before being placed on the injured list with a left rotator cuff strain on June 8. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list on July 7, activated on August 5, and returned to the injured list on August 11, with his season officially ending on September 12.

December 13, 2024: Traded to Milwaukee Brewers

On December 13, 2024, Nestor Cortés was traded by the Yankees to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Devin Williams.

2024: Opening Day Starter and Postseason Sidelining

In 2024, Nestor Cortes was chosen as the Yankees' starting pitcher for Opening Day. He went 9-10 with a 3.77 ERA. He was sidelined to begin the Yankees' 2024 postseason run due to a left elbow flexor strain.