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Nestor Cortes’ tribute to Jose Trevino for Platinum Glove will hit Yankees fans in feels

TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 27: Nestor Cortes #65 and Jose Trevino #39 of the New York Yankees celebrate after defeating the Toronto Blue Jays to clinch first place in the American League East after the game at Rogers Centre on on September 27, 2022, in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 27: Nestor Cortes #65 and Jose Trevino #39 of the New York Yankees celebrate after defeating the Toronto Blue Jays to clinch first place in the American League East after the game at Rogers Centre on on September 27, 2022, in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images)

We’re not crying, you’re cr … Nope. We are 100% crying. If New York Yankees fans hold a soft spot for anybody on the current roster, that label goes to Nestor Cortes and Jose Trevino — two of the most jovial and charismatic players in the clubhouse.

Both were on the fringes of MLB before emerging as All-Stars in 2022. Here’s a slight hat tip to general manager Brian Cashman for acquiring the both of them, but that’s all we’ll say. Because imagine what the Yankees would’ve been like this past season without them?

Cortes pitched to Trevino in the 2022 All-Star Game. What a departure that was from the stereotypical, star-studded Yankees appearances in the Midsummer Classic. That was special.

But how about their contributions from start to finish? Cortes went 12-4 with a 2.44 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 3.12 FIP and 163 strikeouts in 28 starts (158.1 innings). Trevino, though he saw his offensive output dip in the end (.248/.283/.388), he barely struck out, strung together a number of memorable clutch hits, and finished the year in the 100th percentile for pitch framing alongside 21 Defensive Runs Saved. His 17 Catcher Framing Runs and 53.9% Strike Rate also led MLB.

It was no wonder he was awarded the Platinum Glove over the weekend. And it was no surprise Cortes was the first to send a heartfelt congratulations to his buddy in what ended up being a career year for the both of them.

Nestor Cortes’ message to Yankees’ Jose Trevino after Platinum Glove award was lovely

Manager Aaron Boone wasn’t kidding when he spoke highly of Trevino’s defensive game planning. It was evident everyone was a beneficiary of that, from Gerrit Cole, who changed his personal catcher to Trevino, all the way down to Domingo Germán, who had himself a solid campaign even though fans wanted him out.

The individuality is what stands out here. Trevino takes his job seriously. He strives every single day to be the best and knows his role has an affect on so many others. What if he hadn’t dedicated his attention to this “homework,” as Cortes called it? You probably know the answer to that … because the Yankees let it persist for YEARS with Gary Sánchez behind the plate.

Trevino’s inclination to improve his craft, coupled with his energy/personality, shifted the tides for the Yankees in 2022. Though the season didn’t end the way everybody wanted it to, one of the few silver linings is that Trevino should be around for another three more years (he’s entering his first season as an arbitration-eligible player), being his wholesome self both on and off the field.

Like Cortes said, we’re running it back next year. Just need a few other things to fall into place, and fans will be feeling a lot better about 2023.

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