With the MLB trade deadline fast approaching, the New York Yankees must make moves to stay afloat in the American League playoff race.
That may include making some surprising trades before the July 30 deadline arrives.
One player who may be on the block after struggling for the majority of the season thus far is left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes — a fan favorite in The Bronx.
With a funky delivery and a repertoire that relies on finesse over power, Cortes hasn't looked like himself in the majority of starts this season. He certainly doesn't look like the pitcher who was named to the 2022 All-Star team.
When making one bold prediction for each team at the trade deadline, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic made the surprising, yet plausible forecast that the Yankees would move Cortes.
"The Yankees made a similar move in 2022 when they traded Jordan Montgomery to the Cardinals for center fielder Harrison Bader. The thinking was Montgomery would not be a part of the Yankees’ playoff rotation, and general manager Brian Cashman wanted to shore up a critical spot defensively. Cortes comes with one more year of team control, and he still has value. They could use a new starting infielder or left fielder in exchange for Cortes," Kirschner wrote.
It's been a struggle for the funky lefty in 2024. In 119.2 innings across 21 starts, Cortes has a 4-9 record with a 3.99 ERA, 111 strikeouts, 24 walks and a 1.162 WHIP.
While Cortes has thrived in The Bronx to the tune of a 2.48 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in 11 starts, it has been the complete opposite on the road.
In 10 road starts this season, Cortes has a 0-5 record to go along with a 6.04 ERA and 1.54 WHIP.
If the Yankees can get a quality infielder for Cortes, it might be the move to make. Even if they don't move him, they might need to consider moving him to the bullpen if they wind up acquiring a starting pitcher at the deadline.
Either way, it's difficult to imagine the Yankees relying on Cortes if they make the playoffs considering how shaky his splits are this season.
