Nestor Cortes apologizes to Brewers fans after trade

Nestor Cortes has always been known for his honesty, grit, and flair on the mound. In 2025, the left-handed pitcher made headlines not just for his short time with the Milwaukee Brewers. But for the manner in which he left with a sincere apology to the fans. His journey from New York to Milwaukee and now to San Diego has been filled with ups and downs, but what stands out most is his character.

This article examines who Nestor is, his tenure with the Brewers, his struggles with injury, his emotional farewell, and what the future may hold for him with the Padres. We’ll also look at what makes him such a unique figure in Major League Baseball (MLB) and why his story resonates with fans.

Who Is Nestor Cortes?

Nestor is a Cuban-American pitcher born in 1994. He has gained attention not only for his skills but also for his personality and pitching style. Nicknamed “Nasty Nestor,” he became a fan favorite with the New York Yankees thanks to his deceptive deliveries, competitive spirit, and ability to outsmart batters.

Cortes is not the tallest or the hardest-throwing pitcher. However, he has carved out a strong career through creativity, movement, and determination. His story is inspiring for young players who may not fit the typical mold of a major league pitcher.

Nestor Cortes and the Brewers: A Short-Lived Chapter

When the Milwaukee Brewers acquired Nestor in the offseason and Devin Williams was traded to the Yankees, expectations were high. The Brewers believed his experience and versatility would help stabilize their rotation.

But baseball doesn’t always go as planned. Cortes made just two starts for the Brewers in 2025 before injuries cut his time short.

• March 29, 2025: His debut came against his old team, the Yankees. It was a rough outing, as he gave up eight runs, including five home runs, in only two innings. The Brewers lost 20-9, and Cortes shouldered much of the blame.

• April 3, 2025: Just days later, he bounced back with a masterpiece. Against the Cincinnati Reds, he pitched six scoreless innings, striking out six and allowing just one hit. The Brewers won 1-0, and fans saw the version of Cortes they had hoped for.

Sadly, that was his last appearance in a Brewers uniform. An elbow injury landed him on the injured list, and he spent four months sidelined.

Away from baseball, Michael Clarke shared an emotional message after undergoing skin cancer treatment.

Why Nestor Cortes Apologized to Brewers Fans

When the trade deadline arrived on August 1, the Brewers decided to move on. They sent Nestor Cortes to the San Diego Padres and received outfielder Brandon Lockridge in return.

After the deal, Cortes took to Instagram to post a heartfelt message. He thanked Milwaukee and admitted his disappointment:

“Milwaukee was short-lived, but wow, what a group of gritty players and a blue-collar organization. Sorry, I couldn’t give you guys more.”

This apology resonated with Brewers fans. It showed his respect for the city and the organization, even though his time there didn’t work out as planned. Many athletes leave without saying much, but Cortes made sure to show appreciation.

The Bigger Picture: Injuries and Opportunity

Cortes’ exit wasn’t just about performance. While he was injured, young pitchers like Jacob Misiorowski and Quinn Priester stepped up to the plate. Brandon Woodruff also returned, strengthening the Brewers’ rotation. That left little room for Cortes, even as he was nearing a return.

Trading him for Lockridge made sense for Milwaukee, especially with outfield injuries to Jackson Chourio and Sal Frelick. Meanwhile, the Padres saw Cortes as a valuable addition to a rotation that needed depth for a playoff push.

This move reflects a common truth in MLB: timing matters as much as talent.

Why Nestor Fits the Padres

The San Diego Padres were one of the busiest teams at the 2025 trade deadline. They added eight players in hopes of making a deep postseason run. Cortes’ arrival adds flexibility, experience, and a left-handed arm to their rotation.

Cortés himself expressed excitement:

“Let’s go, San Diego. Excited for this opportunity to play for this great organization that went wild at the deadline. I hope I’m just a stepping stone to what this city deserves.”

This attitude could make him a fan favorite in San Diego just as he was in New York.

Nestor Cortes’ Legacy and Style of Play

Cortes stands out in MLB due to his unique style. He doesn’t rely on overpowering speed but on trickery, timing, and command. He employs unusual windups, quick pitches, and varied arm angles to keep hitters off-balance.

For many fans, he represents the underdog who fights his way to success. In an era where velocity dominates, Cortes shows that intelligence and creativity still have a place on the mound.

What’s Next for Nestor?

The Padres are in a strong position to make the playoffs. If healthy, Cortes could play a key role down the stretch. He brings postseason experience from his time with the Yankees, where he pitched in high-pressure games.

The bigger question is his health. Can he stay durable? His elbow inflammation cost him most of 2025, but if he returns strong, he could be a difference-maker.

For the Padres, it’s a low-risk, high-reward move. For Cortes, it’s a chance at redemption and another shot at proving himself on the big stage.

Why Fans Respect Nestor Cortes

Even in disappointment, Cortes handled himself with grace. By apologizing to Brewers fans, he showed humility and respect. In sports, fans appreciate honesty as much as performance.

His message reflects something deeper: a connection between player and community. He didn’t want to leave Milwaukee without acknowledging the support he felt, even in a short stay. That kind of character builds loyalty wherever he plays.

Final Thoughts

The story of Nestor Cortes and the Milwaukee Brewers is a reminder of how unpredictable baseball can be. A pitcher can go from disaster to brilliance in a single week, only to be sidelined by injury soon after. Yet, what stands out most isn’t the stats—it’s the way he carried himself. Cortes’ apology and gratitude show why he is more than just another name on a roster. He is a player who cares about the game, the fans, and the organizations he represents.