New York Yankees star pitcher Nestor Cortes is not only a beast on the mound: he is also an elite teammate.
He has shown that several times in the last couple of years.
He is often spotted joking around and making people smile in the Yankees’ dugout, he has a congratulatory message for any teammate who achieves something nice, and he recently discussed how Aaron Judge should be named captain.
He congratulated his teammate Jose Trevino and credited him for his excellent work when he won the Platinum Glove Award a few days ago, too.
Now, he has taken the time to welcome a former teammate back.
Well, the use of the word “former” is a formality, because first baseman Anthony Rizzo was only a free agent and really didn’t have any traction to sign for a different team.
“It’s a good feeling to have when you walk thru these doors with the Rizz. Welcome back!!!” Cortes tweeted.
It’s a good feeling to have when you walk thru these doors with the Rizz. Welcome back !!! pic.twitter.com/cHzfZjronw
— Nestor Cortes (@Cortes_1210) November 15, 2022
Rizzo And Cortes Are Crucial To The Yankees
Rizzo, who has repeatedly said he loves being a Yankee, slashed .224/.338/.480 with 32 home runs in 2022, recovering his power stroke.
In addition to that, he also played excellent defense at first base, helping pitchers like Cortes get much-needed outs.
Rizzo, like Cortes, is a respected teammate who is loved in the Yankees’ dugout and clubhouse.
They will be crucial pieces for the Yankees as the team tries to return to the headlines, most specifically, the World Series.
Cortes had a 2.44 ERA in 158.1 frames this year with the Yankees, pitching better than the nominal ace Gerrit Cole.
If both of them are healthy, and Judge is retained, the Yankees will have a great foundation.
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