The Milwaukee Brewers recently traded two-time All-Star closer Devin Williams to the New York Yankees for left-handed starting pitcher Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin. While it was Durbin who tipped the scales in favor of the Yankees among teams bidding for Williams, Cortes is also an intriguing acquisition for Milwaukee.
The one-time All-Star was 9-10 last season with a 3.77 ERA and 1.15 WHIP while making 30 starts. Only Freddy Peralta started that many games with the Brewers last season.
Like Williams, Cortes has just one mores season of club control left before he hits free agency. Knowing that he is simply going to be a placeholder for the Brewers, Cortes recently opened up about his attitude joining Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Brewers Pitcher Nestor Cortes Discusses What It Was Like Being Traded Away from the New York Yankees
On Tuesday night, Cortes posted the following message to his Instagram account:
“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.
“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 I get to pitch. Let’s go BrewCrew!!!”
Matt Vasgersian Compares Nestor Cortes to Milwaukee Brewers Legend Teddy Higuera
1987 Press Photo Brewers Baseball Players High Five Each Other During Game
During an appearance on MLB Network, Cortes reiterated his excitement about joining the Brewers and being able to pass on some knowledge to the younger pitchers on the roster. Towards the end of the interview, MLB insider Matt Vasgersian told Cortes, “Well, they’re going to love you there, dude. I’m telling you, man. You are, go look up some YouTube video of Teddy Higuera. Left hander. Your stature. They are going to love you in Brew City, I know it.”
“I’m excited for this opportunity and I cannot wait to be in Milwaukee and compete with those guys.” @Cortes_1210 discusses the trade process and wanting to help this young Brewers team.
#MLBNHotStove | @Brewers pic.twitter.com/2CdSP1gAfj
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 18, 2024
Teddy Higuera spent his entire nine-year career with the Brewers, going 94-64 with a 3.61 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. In 1985, he finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting after going 15-8 with a 3.90 ERA.
The following year, 1986, Higuera went 20-11 with a 2.89 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. He made his only career All-Star team, finished second in AL Cy Young Award voting, and 15th in AL MVP voting.
His 20 wins in 1986 are the second-most in franchise history for a single season (Mike Caldwell had 22 in 1978). His 240 strikeouts in 1987 rank third for a single season in franchise history behind Ben Sheets (264 in 2004) and Corbin Burnes (243 in 2022).
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