MLB fans full of praise for Nestor Cortes after All-Star pitcher avoids arbitration and returns to New York Yankees on $3.2 million deal

All-Star left-handed pitcher and fan favorite Nestor Cortes will return to the Bronx on a $3.2 million salary in 2023. The New York Yankees avoided heading to arbitration after the two parties agreed terms on Friday. The much-loved starting pitcher had his best season in the majors and has been rewarded for his development and improvement on the mound.

“Nasty Nestor,” as he is endearingly referred to by fans and teammates, was a key part of the Yankees’ 99-win season. He was called up to his first All-Star Game and there was early season talk of him being a possible Cy Young candidate.

After the news became official, Cortes paid tribute to the Yankees fans with a heartfelt and sincere message.

It’s a special day for my family and me. Especially my parents. Sacrificed so much for the “American dream”. Always put me ahead of their needs. For EVERYONE keep grinding and stay hungry. This is the beginning! No matter what comes next.

The tweet received a ton of support from baseball fans around the globe. Cortes has worked his way up from being a part-time player to being one of the most recognized faces in the league. His rise to stardom has been swift and thoroughly well deserved. Fans were full of praise for one of MLB’s most popular pitchers.

@Cortes_1210 So happy for you and your family Nestor. No one earned it more than a man. Congratulations!

@Cortes_1210 More than earned, king! Yankee for life 🫶🏼

@Cortes_1210 I love you Nestor and hope you continue to succeed in everything you do in life both on and off the field.

@Cortes_1210 I love you Nestor and hope you continue to succeed in everything you do in life both on and off the field. ❤️

@Cortes_1210 It’s been a lot of fun watching you, Nestor. We’re all happy for and proud of you. Keep up the awesome work!

@Cortes_1210 You’ve become the best living model for all pitchers who don’t fit a high-velo archetype and need to retool for success. Frankly you deserve more than you’re getting this year, but you will get it. Thanks for playing here.

@Cortes_1210 Happy for you! You earned it! Kick butt in 2023! I’ll be rooting for ya!

Nestor Cortes was humble in his message. He made sure to credit his parents and family for providing him with the opportunity to succeed.

The 28-year-old made his debut with the Baltimore Orioles in 2018 and struggled before returning to New York for a second stint with the Yankees in 2021.

Over the previous two seasons, Cortes has transformed from a rarely used reliever to one of the game’s most efficient starters.

Nestor Cortes will return to the New York Yankees in 2023 on a $3.2 million salary

Nestor Cortes pitches against the Cleveland Guardians in game two of the ALDS at Yankee Stadium

The Yankees have added Carlos Rodon to an already stacked pitching rotation. That should relieve some of the pressure on Cortes next season. Yankees fans will have the pleasure of seeing one of the league’s most entertaining players take the mound next year at Yankee Stadium.

MLB fans full of praise for Nestor Cortes after All-Star pitcher avoids arbitration and returns to New York Yankees on $3.2 million deal

Nestor Cortes will return to the New York Yankees in 2023 on a $3.2 million salary

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