Nestor Cortes has emerged as one of the very best pitchers in MLB. He’s second in the American League in ERA (1.50) and bWAR (2.6). It’s no longer a surprise or small-sample-size mirage. He’s a legitimate ace. This is because he has figured out the secret to pitching. It really isn’t very complicated:
- Throw more innings.
- Give up fewer runs.
- Grow better facial hair.
This is like saying robbing a bank is as simple as going into the building and walking out with a bag of money, but that’s equivalent to what Cortes has accomplished.