The San Diego Padres made significant moves at the trade deadline, adding experienced pitcher Nestor Cortes to their rotation in a bid to improve their standing in the competitive NL West. Cortes, arriving at Petco Park recently, joins a list of new players aimed at boosting the team’s chances against rivals like the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In addition to Cortes, the Padres acquired Mason Miller, JP Sears, Ryan O’Hearn, Ramón Laureano, Freddy Fermin, Jorge Quintana, and Will Wagner, demonstrating their commitment to strengthening both their pitching staff and overall roster depth.
Cortes Excited About Familiar Faces in New Team Environment
Although only days into his new role with the Padres, Nestor Cortes expressed optimism about settling into the clubhouse, thanks to the presence of several former teammates. Upon his arrival in San Diego on Sunday, he revealed he has shared previous playing experiences with multiple Padres players, including Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Michael King, JP Sears, and Wandy Peralta.
“Oh my gosh, there’s so many people here [that I’ve played with in the past]. [Michael] King, [JP] Sears, Wandy [Peralta]. I playd with Tatis in the DR, when we won the championship with Estrellas.”
“I played with Manny [Machado] in the Orioles. If I see more names, I’m sure there’s more people,” Nestor Cortes said [3:10].
His comments highlight a comforting sense of camaraderie in the Padres clubhouse, which may ease his transition and enhance team chemistry on and off the field.
Role and Expectations for Cortes and New Pitching Additions
Nestor Cortes comes to San Diego after spending five seasons with the New York Yankees, where he earned an All-Star selection in 2022. His early 2025 season involved a brief stint with the Milwaukee Brewers, posting a 1-1 record and a 9.00 ERA in just two appearances before being traded to the Padres.
Cortes and Jorge Quintana, also acquired from Milwaukee, are expected to provide much-needed support to the Padres’ starting rotation behind established pitchers Nick Pivetta and Dylan Cease. Cease has struggled this season with a 4-10 record and 4.60 ERA, while Quintana performed solidly for the Brewers, holding an 8-4 record and a 3.50 ERA in sixteen starts.
Implications of the Trade for the Padres’ Playoff Aspirations
The arrival of veteran players like Cortes and Quintana reflects the Padres’ determination to challenge their rivals and secure a playoff spot. With improved pitching depth and familiar player relationships, the team hopes to build momentum for the remainder of the season.
Cortes’s eagerness to reunite with Fernando Tatis Jr. and other former teammates could enhance team cohesion, potentially influencing the Padres’ performance positively as they push toward the postseason.