Introduction
Nestor Cortes Jr., fondly known as “Nasty Nestor” and “the Hialeah Kid,” has become one of the most intriguing and resilient left-handed pitchers in Major League Baseball. From his unconventional wind-up and deceptive arsenal to his unlikely ascent from a 36th-round draft pick to MLB All-Star, Cortes’ journey is a compelling narrative. In this comprehensive profile, we break down his batter matchups, height, career stats, contract and salary, notable injuries, personal life including his wife, and recent trades.
1. VS Batter: Pitching Style & Performance
Pitching Arsenal & Deception
Cortes thrives on deception rather than velocity. He throws a four-seam fastball averaging around 91 mph, complemented by a cutter, slider, changeup, and slowly spinning curveball (around 47 mph). His signature lies in hiding the ball and disrupting hitters with varied arm angles, hesitations, tempo shifts, and abbreviated windups.
Career Performance Highlights
As of August 23, 2025, Cortes holds a career win–loss record of 35–23, an ERA of 3.84, and 600 strikeouts across various team stints.
2. Height & Physical Profile
Though not towering, Cortes uses every inch to his advantage. Multiple reliable sources list his height at 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m). Another source notes 5 ft 10 in, 225 lb, a minor variance likely due to rounding differences. His physical build allows him to focus on finesse and craft rather than brute strength.
3. Career Stats & Trajectory
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Draft & Early Career: Selected in the 36th round of the 2013 MLB Draft by the Yankees.
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MLB Debut: Made his debut with the Baltimore Orioles on March 31, 2018.
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Minor League Grind: Spent years developing across A- to AAA-levels before breaking into the majors.
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Yankees Rise: Returned to the Yankees in 2021, became a fan favorite, and clinched an All-Star spot in 2022 with a stellar 12-4 record and 2.44 ERA in 28 starts.
2025 Snapshot: A cumulative record of 35–23, ERA 3.84, 600 strikeouts.
4. Salary & Contracts
Cortes’ earnings reflect his steady climb:
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2018 (Baltimore): Around $545,000.
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2020 (Seattle): $568,700.
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2021 (Yankees): $570,500.
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2022: $727,500.
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2023: $3.2 million.
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2024: $3.95 million.
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2025 (Milwaukee): $7.6 million base, carried salary. Nestor Cortes stats.
5. Injury History
2023
Shoulder issues affected his season, though he still pitched a career-high 174⅓ innings with a 3.77 ERA.
2025
A significant elbow flexor strain put him on the 15-day Injured List. Despite initial struggles (1-1 record, 9.00 ERA), he rebounded before the injury. Overall career ERA stands at around 3.88 through 137 games.
6. Wife & Personal Life
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Engagement & Marriage: Engaged to girlfriend Alondra Esteras Russy after the 2022 All-Star Game; married in November 2023.
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Children: Their first son was born in 2025.
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Background Tidbits: Emigrated from Cuba as an infant. His father once attempted to defect, was imprisoned, and later won a visa lottery to settle in Miami—a story Cortes cherishes.
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Interests: Enjoys horse racing and even co-owns a harness racing horse. Nestor Cortes stats.
7. Trade History
Timeline of Trades:
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Nov 2019: Yankees trade Cortes to Mariners for international bonus pool money.
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Dec 2024: Yankees trade him (and Caleb Durbin) to Brewers for closer Devin Williams.
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Mar 2025: Returned to Yankee Stadium as a Brewer—emotional and nostalgic moment.
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Jul 2025: Brewers trade Cortes to the San Diego Padres (with Jorge Quintana & cash) in exchange for Brandon Lockridge. He returned from the IL shortly after. Nestor Cortes stats.
FAQ Section
Q1: How tall is Nestor Cortes?
A1: Official listings put him at 5 ft 11 in (180 cm), though one source cites 5 ft 10 in.
Q2: What are his career MLB stats as of 2025?
A2: He has a 35–23 win–loss record, 3.84 ERA, and 600 strikeouts.
Q3: What are his contract figures?
A3: His salary rose from ~$545K in 2018 to $7.6M base in 2025.
Q4: Has he faced any injuries?
A4: Yes—shoulder issues in 2023, and a flexor strain to his pitching elbow in 2025 that placed him on the 15-day IL.
Q5: Is he married? When, and who is his wife?
A5: Yes. Married to Alondra Esteras Russy in November 2023 after an engagement post-2022 All-Star Game.
Q6: What’s his recent trade history?
A6: Traded to the Brewers in Dec 2024, then to the Padres in July 2025. Previously played for the Yankees, Orioles, Mariners, and Brewers.
Conclusion
Nestor Cortes has carved an extraordinary path—overcoming late-round draft obscurity, mastering deception over power, enduring injuries, building a family, and frequently trading teams. Yet his unique style and resilience make him unforgettable on the mound. As he embarks on a new chapter with the Padres, fans continue to follow the magic of Nasty Nestor with intrigue and admiration.
