Every four years, just like the Olympic sporting events, there is a baseball event that takes place called the World Baseball Classic. A tournament that is a fan favorite because baseball talent is put on display from quite literally, the entire world. Nestor Cortes elected to play for the USA team this year, which will add depth to the starting rotation.
Originally slated for 2020, the event was since postponed to the 2023 off-season due to Covid-19 restrictions. Fans all over the world are looking forward to event because there is an incredible amount of talent from all over the MLB scene that will be competing for their respective countries.
Starting pitcher for the New York Yankees, Nestor Cortes, will be competing for the USA team for the event in 2023. He is joining the team on the conditions that his home country, Cuba, will deny his addition to their team.
According to the rules of the Baseball Federation of Cuba, they do not allow players who defected from the country access to their WBC team. While Cortes is originally from Cuba, his parents defected from the country when he was just seven months old. While this isn’t necessarily his fault, it still violates the policies set in place by the Federation.
Stacking the USA Team
While it is an unfortunate occurrence that he will be unable to compete with his home country’s players, he adds to an already “stacked” USA team. He joins the ranks of MLB superstars which includes, but not limited to, Mike Trout, Trea Turner, Nolan Arenado, and Pete Alonso.
With the offense absolutely filled with talent, USA’s pitching staff needed some big names, now highlighted by Cortes. Cortes posted a career-high season in 2022 in virtually every category, most notably his 2.44 ERA, which put him in the top five for the American League.
Not only does Cortes give the USA team an extremely talented left-handed starting pitcher, but also a great personality for the clubhouse. With players coming from all over the league to compete as one unit, it is important for the team chemistry to be as high as possible. Cortes will bring just that, as both players and fans alike gravitate toward his overall positive attitude.
Defending the Title
Sporting a star studded roster, it is clear why the USA team is once again the favorite for the championship. Managed by former MLB star, Mark Derosa alongside Hall of Famer, Ken Griffey Jr. as the hitting coach, confidence levels are high amongst fans. Derosa competed in the event during the 2009 off-season and is looking to take this team of superstars all the way to the championship.
“It’s truly a full-circle moment for me… I will represent this country with honor and thankfulness.”
Cortes offered comments about his commitment in the WBC
As one might imagine, the WBC event is more geared to the “fun” aspect of what baseball is about. However, it has proven to be something that these teams also willing spark competitiveness in as well. Although Cortes will not be able to fulfill his childhood dream of competing for the Cuban team. He is truly honored to compete for the USA and is eager to represent his new home with pride and dignity.
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Featured image courtesy of Jim McIsaac / Getty Images
Statistics and player information courtesy of baseball-reference.com
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