The Yankees’ offseason plans are beginning to take shape, and while much depends on whether Juan Soto returns to the Bronx, their pitching rotation could also see significant changes. One name that might unexpectedly come up in trade discussions is fan-favorite left-hander Nestor Cortes.
The Lefty Dilemma
The Yankees were reportedly interested in Blake Snell before he signed a massive deal with the Dodgers. Snell, a dominant lefty, would have joined Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes, giving the Yankees three southpaws at the top of the rotation. Although the Snell deal fell through, it showed the Yankees’ willingness to adjust their pitching staff to bring in an ace-caliber starter.
Rodon, despite a disappointing 2024 season, is likely staying put due to his large contract ($27 million annually through 2028) and the Yankees’ belief in his long-term potential, making him nearly impossible to trade. That leaves Cortes as the more realistic trade candidate if the Yankees look to make space or acquire other roster pieces.
Cortes had a solid 2024, posting a 3.77 ERA over 174.1 innings. While his strikeouts per nine innings dropped to 8.36, he consistently limits hard contact, making him an appealing option for teams looking for rotation stability. Trading him after a strong, workhorse season could protect the Yankees from potential regression.
At 30 years old, with team control through 2026, Cortes is a valuable asset, and the Yankees might want to capitalize on his trade value now.
What Trading Cortes Could Provide the Yankees
Trading Cortes wouldn’t necessarily be about his performance but rather about rebalancing the rotation and reallocating resources. The Yankees have expressed interest in exploring other starting pitching options, with names like Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, and Jack Flaherty still available. Two of those three are right-handed, which would add more upside to a rotation that could benefit from more stability.
Moreover, trading Cortes could give the Yankees financial flexibility to address other needs. Ideally, they’d like to move Marcus Stroman’s $18.5 million salary for 2025. After a disappointing 2024 season, Stroman could be traded as part of a package, freeing up even more funds for top-tier pitchers or bullpen help.
The Yankees have already saved around $8 million by non-tendering players like Tim Mayza and Jon Berti, but unloading Stroman’s contract would significantly change their financial flexibility. Combining that savings with Cortes’ trade value could enable the Yankees to acquire a higher-tier starter and address other roster gaps, such as first base or bullpen depth.
Cortes’ Trade Value
Cortes’ value lies in his consistency, team-friendly contract, and his unique pitching style, which makes him effective at disrupting hitters. While not overpowering, his ability to limit runs and maintain competitiveness makes him a sought-after asset for teams in need of rotation help. There have been discussions about potentially trading him to the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for first baseman Josh Naylor.
For the Yankees, trading Cortes could bring back prospects or complementary players. Teams like the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals, both in need of pitching, could be willing to part with young talent or controllable players in exchange for Cortes.
Why the Yankees Need to Act
If the Yankees are serious about improving their rotation or making a splash in other areas, trading Cortes may be the best option.
The starting pitching market has thinned, with names like Blake Snell already off the table, so the Yankees need to act fast if they want to pursue someone like Corbin Burnes or Max Fried. Burnes, a former Cy Young winner, would add a dominant right-handed arm to the rotation, while Fried, a reliable lefty ace with postseason experience, could replace Cortes while maintaining a high ceiling. Flaherty, though less consistent, offers upside and would come at a more affordable price.
