Cortes put the shoulder trouble he experienced during the 2023 season behind him in 2024, making 31 appearances (30 starts) while throwing a career-high 174.1 innings. He was pitching his best ball of the season down the stretch with a 1.58 ERA and 38:10 K:BB across 40 frames covering his final seven outings. Unfortunately, injury struck again at that point, this time in the form of a flexor strain. Cortes was able to return as a reliever for the World Series, but health concerns will follow him during the offseason and into spring training, especially since flexor strains can sometimes be a precursor to Tommy John surgery. If the southpaw looks good and healthy during Grapefruit League play, his draft stock will tick up. Read Past Outlooks