Nestor Cortes, the southpaw pitcher for the Yankees, is still scheduled to start in the final series game against the Phillies on Wednesday. Nevertheless, recent speculation about his future with the team has caused doubt.
Cortés’ reaction to trade talks
Despite the speculation, Cortes went about his usual pre-game routine on Monday evening, entering the clubhouse and throwing a bullpen session. Yet, the buzz around a potential trade involving him in exchange for St. Louis infielder Tommy Edman, who ultimately joined the Dodgers in a three-team deal, could not be ignored.
“It’s all over Twitter,” Cortes commented about the widespread reports on X and other platforms, including coverage by The Post’s Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman. “I don’t think it’s anything concrete, but the word is out there. I’m aware of it.” His acknowledgment of the rumors was candid, but his hope was clear: he wanted to remain a Yankee.
Dedication to the Yankees
Cortes expressed a deep connection to the team, emphasizing his gratitude and determination. “Of course I want to stay,” he stated. “It’s a winning team, it’s the team I was drafted by. They’ve given me many opportunities and I’ve done a lot of good, some bad, but I’m still fighting, still trying to claw my way up to being a proven starter and winning for this team.”
With the trade deadline looming, Cortes admitted that the rumors add a layer of complexity to his focus. “I’ve done a pretty good job blocking it out,” he said. “I’m still on this team [and] still trying to win for this team. I’m preparing for Wednesday. … That’s my focus.”
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The uncertainty of the trade deadline
Aaron Boone, the Yankees’ manager, recognized the challenging atmosphere players face during trade season. Cortes mirrored this sentiment, noting the day-by-day, even minute-by-minute nature of dealing with potential trades.
Cortes’ dedication to the Yankees was evident during the All-Star break when he took to X to defend the organization. “Everyone talks down about the Yanks, but they wanna be us. It’s a privilege to wear pinstripes. Every year we are in contention. I’m blessed to be able to compete for a playoff spot and always be contenders at the end,” he wrote.
Reflecting on his post, Cortes shared, “We compete here for a championship every single year. We haven’t had the run we wanted to for the last few years I’ve been here, but it was part of me being a Yankee, my desire to be here and desire to win. It just came from a place where I’m a competitor and I want what’s best for my team. I wanted to show and express that I really want to be here and I really care. I want to win.”
Focused on the present
As trade talks continue to swirl, Cortes remains steadfast. “If it happens, it happens,” he said with a calm resolve. “I’m not worried about it. I’ll try to pitch the best I can.”
His performance on the mound and his commitment to the Yankees reflect a player deeply invested in his team and hopeful for a stable future amidst the uncertainty of trade discussions.
