On October 15, the New York Yankees defeated the Cleveland Guardians 6-3 to take a commanding 2-0 series lead in the American League Championship Series. Despite missing Nestor Cortes because of a left flexor strain, the Yankees pitching staff has persisted in producing quality throws.

The Yankees may try to trade Cortes this winter if they win a World Series without him. Even if they don’t, he might be able to assist them in other situations where they need assistance.

Sports Illustrated’s Grant Young made a compelling offer that might work out for all parties. Young’s offer would trade Cortes for Max Muncy to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Young wrote on October 15 that “the question would be what pieces they’d look for in return — and which teams they’d willingly trade Cortes to,” if the Yankees were to trade Cortes away. “The Yankees are likely to look for improvement at either corner infield position this winter, considering their problems at both spots this season. Additionally, a Bleacher Report report authored by Zachary D. Rymer on October 15th hinted that Max Muncy, the top slugger for the Los Angeles Dodgers, would be traded this offseason.

“Muncy has experience playing both first and third base and has hit two huge home runs for the Dodgers this postseason, one of which came against the New York Mets on Monday. With the Dodgers’ injury-plagued rotation, it might make sense to acquire a flexible lefty like Cortes in a trade for 2025.

Barring injury, the New York Yankees’ rotation and bullpen appear to be set for the future. The one-time All-Star Cortes had a 2.44 EA two seasons prior, but his ERA has subsequently dropped to 4.09.

There’s no reason the Yankees should rule out moving him to improve another position.