Yankees Star With Most to Prove!

As the New York Yankees embark on the 2024 season, there is a palpable sense of optimism within the organization. The front office made significant moves by acquiring Juan Soto, widely regarded as one of the best hitters globally, and Marcus Stroman, a potential key contributor as a No. 2. Despite these positive additions, ongoing rumors suggest that the Yankees might pursue another impactful player to enhance their chances of securing a World Series victory, especially after a notably disappointing 2024 season.

While the team’s confidence is soaring, the outcome of the season could hinge on the performance of two critical arms in the Yankees’ pitching staff. Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes had forgettable seasons that they undoubtedly wish to put behind them. If the Yankees aspire to fulfill their championship ambitions, these pitchers must significantly elevate their game in the upcoming season.

MLB.com’s Brian Murphy recently compiled a list of players facing substantial pressure to prove themselves in 2024, with Nestor Cortes emerging as one such player with a point to demonstrate. Murphy’s rationale is grounded in Cortes’s challenging previous seasons, highlighted by a concerning 6.72 ERA and a 1.71 WHIP in his initial three MLB campaigns. Cortes, however, displayed a remarkable turnaround in 2021, recording a 2.90 ERA with 103 strikeouts in 93 innings pitched. His breakthrough continued in 2022, earning him an All-Star nod and securing an eighth-place finish in Cy Young voting with an impressive 2.44 ERA across 158 1/3 innings pitched. Cortes, with his unconventional windup that kept hitters off balance, became an unexpected asset for the Yankees.

However, the 2023 season witnessed a downturn for Cortes as injuries took a toll, resulting in a less impressive 4.97 ERA. While some speculated that the new pitch clock might have affected him, the injuries likely played a significant role. Cortes faces the imperative task of showcasing that he can replicate his stellar 2022 performance in the upcoming season. The support of a healthier Carlos Rodon and the addition of Marcus Stroman should alleviate some of the pressure on Cortes, providing him with a conducive environment to reestablish his dominance on the mound.