Nestor Cortes Jr. makes feelings known after Yankees traded All-Star pitcher to Brewers for Devin Williams; Anthony Volpe, Gleyber Torres reacts
The New York Yankees are making changes to their roster following a heartbreaking World Series defeat against the Los Angeles Dodgers over five games in October.
While the Bronx Bombers have roped in a few All-Stars in the offseason so far, they let go one of their own in starting pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr. The one-time All-Star was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for star closer Devin Williams last Friday.
The 30-year-old was drafted by the Yankees in the 2013 MLB draft and joined the Baltimore Orioles in 2017 after spending time in the Yankees' minor league system.
Following his departure to Milwaukee, Cortes Jr. made his feelings known for the Bronx Bombers in a heartfelt Instagram post.
“Seems like I’ve written this too many times about NY. But I’m always grateful and proud of being groomed by the Yankee organization. A city full of life and tremendous support from the fans. Where us as players leave everything out on the field regardless of the outcome because the city is breathing and living by every win.
"With such a unique journey. I’d do it all over again if I had to. A 36 rounder in 2013. Through the years of being an organizational minor league pitcher, to having 3 different stints with the team, to becoming a MLB all star, and endless opportunities to prove myself time after time,” the former Yankees ace captioned his post with pictures from his time with franchise.
Nestor Cortes Jr.'s former Yankees teammates Anthony Volpe and Gleyber Torres reacted to his heartwarming message. Both players put out heart emojis on Cortes' post to show their appreciation.
Nestor Cortes Jr. ready for a new chapter with Brewers after Yankees stint
Nestor Cortes Jr. established himself as a fan-favorite after a stellar 2022 season with the Bronx Bombers that earned him his only All-Star nod. He was troubled by injuries in 2023 but bounced back well in a strong start to the 2024 season.
While Cortes was a reliable arm during the regular season, starting a career-high 30 games, he allowed a walk-off grandslam to Freddie Freeman in Game 1 of the World Series. But the ace is past that heartbreak and is preparing to impress with the Brewers.
"With that being said I'm very excited to join the Brewers organization with so much young talent and a team that's always competing for playoff contention. I'm ready to take on any role and just be a stepping stone to lead the team in the best of my ability every opportunity get to pitch. Let's go BrewCrew!" He wrote.
Nestor Cortes Jr.'s time with the Yankees came to an end after the franchise signed another star lefty, Max Fried. While Cortes was surplus to requirement in the Yankees' rotation, the Brewers were in desperate need of reliable arms in their rotation, and the former Yankees ace could be a perfect fit for them.