The Yankees may attempt to implement unique options to compensate for the closer role moving forward. There have been various names thrown around in the mix for consistency and reliability. Nestor Cortes’ name has been in the loop for possible temporary closer role considerations.
Left-Handed Pitcher Could Platoon As Closer Role For Yankees
On Saturday, the Yankees secured their 32nd straight winning season with a shutout victory against the Chicago Cubs. The 2-0 win came at the hands of a duo-arm compilation. Right-hander Clarke Schmidt returned to play, and was given the start while Nestor Cortes relieved, splitting the game with four innings and change, a piece.
Cortes provided a breath of fresh air with regards to dealing with the game in a save situation. He threw the final 4 and 1 / 3 to secure the win, keeping the Cubs at bay. Cortes ability to throw strikes and control counts puts him in the conversation to be a stopper late in the game.
Cortes is a long reliever by nature. He began his journey on the mound as a starter and slowly transitioned to the mid-way point of the game. Needless to say, his comfort level lives in the bullpen.
The lefty averages about three to four innings per appearance, going the odd six or seven in long relief. His effectiveness is non-questionable. Based on his long-relief ability, what’s the harm in executing load management strategies and shortening his innings of work as needed?
This may be a wild thought. However, having a strong-skilled southpaw as a part of a two- or three-man battery pack may be beneficial in the case of winning games.
Picture his addition to the closer role mimicking the Tampa Bay Rays approach. You’d see a different reliever start each game before the starter is summoned. In this case, a lefty pitcher is summoned based on multiple matchup factors in the final inning.
The Attributes Cortes Possess In Consideration For A Closer Opportunity
First and foremost, Cortes is a left-handed pitcher. For matchup purposes, the southpaw may enter the save situation in various circumstances. The next three hitters may be at a disadvantage against lefties either on a performance level, or they may be lefties themselves.
Another advantage of Cortes in the closer role would actually be a reverse-attribute. Usually, closers possess one extremely dominating out-pitch. Mariano Rivera utilized his cut-fastball which was painfully difficult to hit; even when hitters knew it was coming.
The issue with one solidified weapon is the fact that it will be figured out. Advanced scouting has come a long way. Metrics and intelligence is public and readily available to everyone. The ability for professional players to make adjustments is almost guaranteed.
So what does Cortes bring to the table? A very diverse pitch repertoire.
Cortes Pitch Repertoire Is Built For Save Situations
The Yankees lefty uses a six-pitch arsenal. This consists of a four-seam fastball, cutter, sweeper, changeup, sinker, and a slider. Of the six pitches, only the first three of those are heavily utilized.
His changeup, slider, and sinker are options that are good to have. The four seam, cutter, and sweeper combine for a 53.4% put-away rate. These three pitches are responsible for 113 of the 147 strikeouts on the year.
This year his arsenal has resulted in a 31.9 ground ball percentage. Cortes misses barrels, with an 8.1 barrel percentage; a significant drop since 2018, which topped 15.8%.
Aside from the statistics, Cortes has a strong understanding of his pitches and is fairly smart with utilizing them. His command is on-point, and he can live in the strike zone without getting hurt. He’s struck out 147 batters this season, only walking 33.
The Closer Attributes Cortes Lacks
This one is fairly simple, velocity. The lefty has the tools on his tool belt but doesn’t possess the fire power to blow hitters away. Velocity is not everything in a pitcher. However, seeing 97-102 mph for the first time all game where the inning matters can affect the approach of that hitter.
High power velocity can be extremely effective, especially when being fastball dependent like Cortes. He’s used his four seam 44.4% so far in 2024: the most used pitch in his repertoire. Unfortunately, this pitch hits a maximum of 92 mph.
His cutter touches averagely 87-88 mph, the sinker sits around 88-89 mph. These velocities are not a striking force and could be a disadvantage.
If Cortes can find a way around the velocity factor, there is a solid case for him taking on a closer role.
Main Photo Credits: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
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