50 Facts About Nestor Cortes

Source: Greaterthanthegame.org

Who is Nestor Cortes? Nestor Cortes Jr., known as the "Hialeah Kid," is a talented left-handed pitcher for the New York Yankees. Born in Cuba on December 10, 1994, he moved to Florida, where he attended Hialeah High School. Drafted by the Yankees in 2013, Cortes made his MLB debut in 2018. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 215 pounds, his career boasts 24 wins, 11 losses, and a 3.82 ERA. Notably, he became the first Yankees pitcher to achieve 12 strikeouts in just five innings. Despite injuries, including a left elbow flexor strain, Cortes remains a key player, even expected to join the Yankees' World Series roster. His journey reflects resilience, versatility, and a commitment to the sport, making him a vital part of the Yankees' lineup.

Key Takeaways:

Nestor Cortes, the "Hialeah Kid," overcame challenges and earned accolades, showcasing his pitching prowess and resilience in Major League Baseball.
With a unique pitching style and impressive career stats, Nestor Cortes has made a mark in professional baseball, earning recognition and setting himself apart from other players.

Table of Contents

The Early Life of Nestor Cortes

Nestor Cortes, known for his impressive pitching skills, has a fascinating background that shaped his journey to Major League Baseball.

Birthplace: Nestor was born in Surgidero de Batabano, Cuba, a place that holds his roots and early memories.
Nickname: Fans and teammates call him the "Hialeah Kid," a nod to his upbringing in Hialeah, Florida.
Birthdate: He celebrates his birthday on December 10, 1994, marking the beginning of his inspiring story.
Drafted: The New York Yankees saw potential in him, drafting him in the 36th round (1094th overall) of the 2013 MLB draft.
High School: He honed his skills at Hialeah High School in Florida, where his talent began to shine.

Professional Debut and Career Highlights

Nestor's professional journey is filled with remarkable achievements and milestones that highlight his dedication and skill.

Professional Debut: He made his MLB debut on March 31, 2018, for the New York Yankees, a dream come true for many aspiring players.
Pitching Style: As a left-handed pitcher, he brings a unique angle and strategy to the game.
Height: Standing tall at 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm), he uses his height to his advantage on the mound.
Weight: Weighing 215 pounds (98 kg), his build contributes to his powerful pitching.
Career Regular Season Stats: With 24 wins, 11 losses, and an ERA of 3.82, his stats speak volumes about his performance.

Notable Achievements and Awards

Nestor's talent has not gone unnoticed, earning him several accolades and recognition throughout his career.

First Pitcher in Yankees History: On April 17, 2022, he became the first Yankees pitcher to record at least 12 strikeouts in 5 innings pitched.
Immaculate Inning: On the same day, he achieved an "immaculate inning," striking out three batters on nine pitches.
AL All-Star: In 2022, he was named an AL All-Star, a testament to his exceptional skills.
Pitcher of the Week: He earned this title in the Appalachian League (2015), South Atlantic League (2016), and Florida State League (2016).

Challenges and Injuries

Despite his success, Nestor has faced challenges, including injuries that tested his resilience.

Injury History: He was placed on the injured list in September 2024 with a left elbow flexor strain.
Elbow Impingement: Throughout his career, he has dealt with left elbow impingement, affecting his playtime.
Post-Season Performance: Despite injuries, he is expected to be on the Yankees' World Series roster, showcasing his determination.
Risk Assessment: He carefully weighed the risks of pitching with a flexor strain, understanding the potential for serious injury.

Career Milestones and Versatility

Nestor's career is marked by versatility and significant milestones that highlight his adaptability and skill.

Started Games: As of 2023, he has started 56 games, demonstrating his reliability as a starter.
Overall Games: He has pitched in 104 games overall, showcasing his experience and endurance.
Pitching Roles: Known for his versatility, he has excelled both as a starter and out of the bullpen.
World Series Expectations: Despite injury risks, he expects to be on the Yankees' World Series roster, driven by adrenaline and passion.
Adrenaline Factor: He believes that the excitement of playing in the World Series will help him perform despite his injury.

Strategy and Team Dynamics

Nestor's strategic approach and team dynamics play a crucial role in his success on the field.

Team Considerations: The Yankees are considering carrying 13 pitchers and 13 position players for the World Series.
Potential Replacement: He could replace a position player if they decide on 13 pitchers or another pitcher if they go with 14 position players.
Post-Season Strategy: He plans to pitch 20 to 30 pitches in the World Series, with back-to-back days unlikely unless the first day's workload is light.
Opponents: He has faced formidable left-handed hitters like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Max Muncy.
Pitching Strategy: He plans to "bring out the kitchen sink" against Ohtani and other left-handed hitters.

Recent Performance and Recovery

Nestor's recent performances and recovery efforts highlight his commitment to returning stronger than ever.

Recent Performance: He threw a 28-pitch live bullpen session at Yankee Stadium against hitters like Oswaldo Cabrera and Austin Wells.
Recovery Process: After receiving a PRP injection, he ramped up his throwing after not pitching for 10 days.
Manager's Confidence: Yankees manager Aaron Boone has expressed a "good chance" that Nestor will be on the roster.
Team Support: Conversations with team officials, trainers, agents, and family have weighed in on the consequences of his decision.

Career Highlights and Low Points

Nestor's career is a mix of high achievements and challenging moments that have shaped him as a player.

Career Highlights: Striking out 12 batters in 5 innings against the Baltimore Orioles on April 17, 2022, stands out as a career highlight.
Career Low Points: His left elbow impingement led to time on the injured list, a challenging period for him.
Free Agency Status: As a free agent after the 2024 season, he faces additional pressure in his decision-making.

Career Regular Season Performance

Nestor's regular season performance showcases his consistency and skill on the field.

Career Regular Season Games: He has pitched in 104 games as of 2023, demonstrating his experience.
Career Regular Season Wins: With 24 wins, he has proven his ability to contribute to his team's success.
Career Regular Season Losses: He has faced 11 losses, a reminder of the challenges in professional baseball.
Career Regular Season ERA: Maintaining an ERA of 3.82, he has shown consistent performance.
Career Regular Season Innings Pitched: With 393.2 innings pitched, his endurance is evident.
Career Regular Season Strikeouts: Recording 413 strikeouts, he has demonstrated his ability to dominate on the mound.
Career Regular Season WHIP: With a WHIP of 1.17, he has maintained control over his pitching.

Unique Career Stats

Nestor's unique career stats set him apart from many other players in the league.

Career Regular Season Batting Average Against: Opponents have a batting average of .000 against him as of 2023.
Career Regular Season Home Runs Allowed: Remarkably, he has allowed zero home runs in his career as of 2023.
Career Regular Season Runs Batted In (RBI): He has recorded zero RBIs in his career as of 2023.
Career Regular Season Stolen Bases (SB): He has recorded zero stolen bases in his career as of 2023.
Career Regular Season On-Base Percentage (OBP): Maintaining an OBP of .000, he has kept opponents off base.
Career Regular Season On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS): With an OPS of .000, he has limited opponents' offensive opportunities.

Career Transactions and Awards

Nestor's career transactions and awards highlight his journey and recognition in professional baseball.

Career Transactions: He signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees in October 2020.
Career Awards Continued: He was named a mid-season All-Star in the South Atlantic League (2016) and Florida State League (2016).

Nestor Cortes: A Pitcher's Journey

Nestor Cortes, known as the "Hialeah Kid," has made a name for himself in Major League Baseball with the New York Yankees. Born in Cuba, he moved to Florida, where his talent blossomed at Hialeah High School. Drafted by the Yankees in 2013, Cortes has shown versatility, pitching both as a starter and from the bullpen. His achievements include being an AL All-Star in 2022 and recording an "immaculate inning." Despite injuries, like a left elbow flexor strain, his determination to contribute to his team remains strong. With career stats boasting 24 wins and a 3.82 ERA, he's a force on the mound. As a free agent after 2024, his future holds exciting possibilities. Cortes's journey reflects resilience and passion, making him a vital part of the Yankees and a player to watch in the coming seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

QWhat makes Nestor Cortes stand out among other MLB pitchers?

Nestor Cortes, known for his unique pitching style, grabs attention with an array of arm angles and pitch speeds. This versatility keeps hitters guessing and has quickly made him a fan favorite. His ability to adapt and outsmart opponents sets him apart in the big leagues.

QHow did Nestor Cortes start his professional baseball career?

His journey to the majors began when the New York Yankees selected him in the 36th round of the 2013 MLB Draft. From there, Cortes climbed the ranks, showcasing his talent and determination at every level until he made his MLB debut in 2018.

QHas Nestor Cortes received any awards or recognition in MLB?

While he may not have a trophy case full of awards, Cortes' performances have not gone unnoticed. His contributions to his team, especially during critical games, have earned him accolades from fans, teammates, and sports analysts alike.

QWhat's the secret behind Nestor Cortes' pitching success?

Hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of improvement are the cornerstones of his success. Cortes spends countless hours studying hitters, refining his pitches, and staying in top physical condition. His mental game, characterized by focus and resilience, also plays a crucial role.

QCan you tell me about a memorable game from Nestor Cortes' career?

One standout moment came during a game where he pitched an unexpected shutout against a top-ranking team. His performance that day, featuring strikeouts and minimal hits allowed, showcased his skill and left both fans and critics in awe.

QHow does Nestor Cortes contribute off the field?

Beyond the diamond, Cortes is known for his community involvement and charitable efforts. He frequently participates in events aimed at inspiring young athletes and giving back to communities, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact.

QWhat can fans expect from Nestor Cortes in the future?

Fans can look forward to more thrilling performances on the mound, as Cortes continues to evolve and refine his game. With his talent and work ethic, the future looks bright for this remarkable pitcher.

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