History of Nestor Cortés Jr. in Timeline
Nestor Cortés Jr., also known as "Nasty Nestor" and "the Hialeah Kid," is a Cuban-American professional baseball pitcher currently with the Milwaukee Brewers. He has also played for the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, and Seattle Mariners in Major League Baseball (MLB). His nicknames reflect his Cuban heritage and birthplace. Cortés' career has spanned multiple teams, showcasing his experience and adaptability in professional baseball.
1992: Nestor Cortés Sr.'s Attempted Defection and Imprisonment
In 1992, Nestor Cortés Jr.'s father, Nestor Cortés Sr., was sentenced to one year in prison after a failed attempt to defect from Cuba.
December 10, 1994: Birth of Nestor Cortés Jr.
Nestor Cortés Jr. was born on December 10, 1994, in Surgidero de Batabanó, Cuba. He is known by the nicknames "Nasty Nestor" and "the Hialeah Kid".
2013: Signed with the Yankees and Professional Debut
After being drafted, Nestor Cortés Jr. signed with the Yankees in 2013 and made his professional debut with the Gulf Coast Yankees.
2013: Drafted by the New York Yankees
In 2013, Nestor Cortés Jr. was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 36th round of the MLB draft.
2014: Played for the Gulf Coast Yankees
Nestor Cortés Jr. played for the Gulf Coast Yankees in 2014.
2015: Played for the Pulaski Yankees
In 2015, Nestor Cortés Jr. played for the Pulaski Yankees of the Rookie-level Appalachian League.
2016: Played in Multiple Minor Leagues
Nestor Cortés Jr. played for several minor league teams in 2016, including the Charleston RiverDogs, Tampa Yankees, Trenton Thunder, and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
2016: Yankees Missed the Postseason
The Yankees missed the postseason in 2016 for the first time since 2008. This event is chronologically out of order with respect to the other events described here.
2017: Competed for a Roster Spot with the Orioles
During spring training in 2017, Nestor Cortés Jr. competed for a spot on the Baltimore Orioles' Opening Day roster.
2017: Played in Multiple Minor Leagues
In 2017, Nestor Cortés Jr. continued to play for multiple minor league teams, including Tampa, Trenton, and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
2017: Selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the Rule 5 Draft
In 2017, Nestor Cortés Jr. was selected by the Baltimore Orioles from the Yankees in the Rule 5 draft.
April 13, 2018: Returned to the Yankees and Played in the Dominican League
On April 13, 2018, the Orioles returned Nestor Cortés Jr. to the Yankees. He also played in the Dominican Professional Baseball League after the regular season, where he learned to throw a cut fastball.
2018: Designated for Assignment by the Orioles
In 2018, after giving up two grand slams in early April, Nestor Cortés Jr. was designated for assignment by the Baltimore Orioles.
2018: MLB Debut with the Baltimore Orioles
Nestor Cortés Jr. made his MLB debut with the Baltimore Orioles in 2018.
November 25, 2019: Traded to the Seattle Mariners
On November 25, 2019, Nestor Cortés Jr. was traded to the Seattle Mariners.
2019: Played for the New York Yankees
In 2019, Nestor Cortés Jr. played for the New York Yankees.
2019: First MLB Win and Multiple Roster Moves
In 2019, Nestor Cortés Jr. earned his first MLB win and experienced several roster moves between the Yankees and their Triple-A affiliate.
October 22, 2020: Outrighted off Mariners Roster and Elected Free Agency
On October 22, 2020, Nestor Cortés Jr. was outrighted off the Seattle Mariners' roster and elected free agency.
December 20, 2020: Signed Minor League Contract with the Yankees
On December 20, 2020, Nestor Cortés Jr. signed a minor league contract to return to the New York Yankees.
2020: Played for the Seattle Mariners
Nestor Cortés Jr. played for the Seattle Mariners in 2020.
2021: Became a Fan Favorite with the Yankees
During the 2021 season, Nestor Cortés Jr. became a fan favorite with the Yankees, earning the nickname "Nasty Nestor."
2021: Rejoined the New York Yankees
In 2021, Nestor Cortés Jr. rejoined the New York Yankees and established himself in their starting rotation.
November 2022: Intended to Play in the World Baseball Classic
In November 2022, Nestor Cortés Jr. announced his intention to play for the United States in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
2022: Engagement to Alondra Esteras Russy
Nestor Cortés Jr. got engaged to his girlfriend, Alondra Esteras Russy, sometime after the 2022 All-Star Game.
2022: Selected as an MLB All-Star
Nestor Cortés Jr. was selected for the MLB All-Star Game in 2022.
March 2023: Withdrew from the World Baseball Classic
Nestor Cortés Jr. withdrew from the 2023 World Baseball Classic due to a hamstring injury.
June 8, 2023: Placed on the Injured List
On June 8, 2023, Nestor Cortés Jr. was placed on the injured list with a left rotator cuff strain.
November 2023: Marriage to Alondra Esteras Russy
Nestor Cortés Jr. married his girlfriend, Alondra Esteras Russy, in November 2023. They had gotten engaged after the 2022 All-Star game.
2023: Purchase of Harness Racing Horse
In 2023, Nestor Cortés Jr., a fan of horse racing since his youth, partnered with a New York Yankees equipment manager to buy a harness racing horse.
December 13, 2024: Trade to Milwaukee Brewers
On December 13, 2024, Nestor Cortés Jr. and Caleb Durbin were traded from the New York Yankees to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Devin Williams.