It was an all-too-familiar ritual Tuesday when Nestor Cortez wrote a farewell message to Yankees fans on his Instagram account.
The Yankees traded Cortez to the Brewers on Friday in a deal that sent Devin Williams to the Bronx, ending Cortez's third stint in the Yankees organization.
“I feel like I've written about New York too many times, but I've always been grateful and proud to have been raised in a Yankee organization.” Cortes, 30, wrote in the post. It also included several photos taken with the team over the years.
“A vibrant city and tremendous support from the fans. The city lives and breathes on every win, so we as players leave everything on the field regardless of the outcome. It's been a very unique journey. .”
Cortez was selected by the Yankees in the 36th round of the 2013 MLB Draft, left and returned twice, returned in 2021, and exploded in the 2022 season, making his first All-Star Game appearance.
That year, he started 28 games and posted a 2.44 ERA, becoming a fan favorite.
Cortes was plagued by shoulder issues that limited his pitching time in 2023, but in 2024 he pitched a career-high 174 1/3 regular-season innings with a 3.77 ERA.
Of course, the left-hander was on the mound in Game 1 of the World Series when Freddie Freeman hit a walk-off home run.
Cortez reflected on his time with the Yankees in an Instagram post.
“If I had to, I would do it all over again,” Cortez wrote. “36 rounder in 2013.
“I spent years as a minor league pitcher, experienced three different stints with the team, became an MLB All-Star, and experienced endless opportunities to prove myself over and over again.”
