Nestor Cortes aware of ‘odd-man out’ before Yankees’ nasty birthday gift

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The New York Yankees’ trade of left-hander Nestor Cortes Jr. to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for All-Star closer Devin Williams shocked many, including Cortes himself. The veteran pitcher was celebrating his birthday in Las Vegas when he woke up to a barrage of missed calls and text messages, only to learn from media reports that he had been traded.

At 12:22 p.m. ET, ESPN’s Jeff Passan broke the news that the Yankees had acquired two-time All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Brewers. Moments later, he confirmed that Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin were headed to Milwaukee in return. Since Cortes was three hours behind on Pacific Time, the news hit him unexpectedly during his birthday celebrations.

Cortes admitted he wasn’t entirely surprised. With the Yankees’ recent signing of ace Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million deal, the team’s starting rotation swelled to seven major-league pitchers. Cortes, aware of the logjam, suspected someone would be the “odd man out.”

“I had a feeling,” Cortes told reporters, including Brewers beat writer Curt Hogg. “Two lefties in the rotation, someone was likely going to move. I didn’t expect it on my birthday, though.”

Cortes, 30, leaves behind a respectable Yankees legacy. He posted a 9-10 record with a 3.77 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP over a career-high 174.1 innings in the past season. He was particularly dominant down the stretch, allowing no more than one earned run in six of his last seven regular-season starts before a left elbow flexor strain sidelined him in late September.

Despite the injury, Cortes heroically returned for the World Series, knowing the risks involved. He acknowledged the possibility that pitching through the injury could jeopardize his 2025 season but prioritized helping the Yankees chase a championship.

With Cortes gone, the Yankees’ rotation still boasts six major-league starters, highlighted by Max Fried, Gerrit Cole, and Carlos Rodón — all making over $27 million annually. Rising right-handers Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt offer cost-effective upside, keeping the Yankees’ pitching staff competitive.

Cortes puts up a brave face after Yankees dumped him

“We’ve weighed the consequences this could bring,” Cortes admitted to The New York Post’s Greg Joyce. “But if I have a ring and then a year off baseball, then so be it.”

His return added to the Yankees’ postseason drama. In Game 1 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, manager Aaron Boone made the bold decision to summon Cortes in the 10th inning with the Yankees clinging to a 3-2 lead. Cortes coolly retired Shohei Ohtani on one pitch but walked Mookie Betts intentionally, setting the stage for Freddie Freeman’s walk-off grand slam — the first in World Series history.

Cortes rebounded in Game 3, throwing 1.2 scoreless innings in another high-pressure situation. However, the Yankees ultimately lost the game and fell behind 3-0 in the series, a deficit they couldn’t overcome.

Despite the rough ending, Cortes’ three-year run with the Yankees was filled with memorable moments. Since his 2021 breakout, he logged 489 innings with a 3.33 ERA, a 25.2% strikeout rate, and a 6.2% walk rate. His 2023 season was marred by a shoulder strain, limiting him to just 12 starts with a 4.97 ERA, but he remained a crucial mid-rotation arm when healthy.

Cortes now joins a promising Brewers rotation that includes veterans Freddy Peralta and Brandon Woodruff, who is returning from shoulder surgery. Milwaukee’s pitching depth also features Aaron Civale, Tobias Myers, Aaron Ashby, and DL Hall, giving the team several options for the back end of the rotation.

Brewers manager Craig Counsell expressed excitement about Cortes’ arrival. “We’ve seen what he can do in big games,” Counsell said. “His ability to command and compete will be a huge asset for us.”

However, veteran Marcus Stroman could be the next pitcher on the trade block. Owed $18.3 million in 2025, Stroman was bumped from the postseason rotation despite making 29 starts last season. His reliability and past All-Star pedigree could attract suitors in need of veteran stability.

As Cortes begins a new chapter in Milwaukee, he leaves behind a legacy marked by grit, perseverance, and unforgettable postseason moments. The trade underscores the unpredictable nature of MLB, where even fan-favorite players can find themselves changing teams in the pursuit of championship aspirations.

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