Nestor Cortés Says Yankees Were ‘The Better Team’ in 2024 World Series vs. Dodgers: A Deep Dive

The world of Major League Baseball (MLB) is no stranger to intense rivalries, with the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers standing as two of the most storied franchises in the history of the sport. When the 2024 World Series matched the Yankees against the Dodgers, it was the kind of series that had baseball fans across the globe riveted to their seats. It was the culmination of a season of expectations, triumphs, and heartbreaking losses, all leading to what many dubbed the most anticipated World Series of the decade.

As the dust settled on the 2024 World Series, a series that saw the Yankees clinch the title in dramatic fashion, Nestor Cortés, the Yankees’ ace pitcher, made a bold statement that caught the attention of both fans and pundits alike: “We were the better team.”

But what does that statement truly mean? And how could Cortés, a player who had been an integral part of the Yankees’ pitching staff, confidently declare his team’s supremacy in the face of one of the most successful franchises in MLB history — a team in the Los Angeles Dodgers that had dominated the regular season and come to the Series with their own set of star-studded talent?

To understand the weight behind Cortés’ words, we need to break down the 2024 World Series matchup, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, and analyze how the Yankees managed to assert their dominance in a series that will go down in MLB lore. In this article, we will delve into the key elements that led to the Yankees’ victory, from pitching dominance and offensive firepower to the Yankees’ strategic plays and leadership, all while examining what Cortés might have meant when he said that his team was the better one.

Setting the Stage: The 2024 World Series Showdown

By the time the 2024 World Series rolled around, both the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers had earned their place on the sport’s biggest stage. The Dodgers, with their incredible regular-season performance, boasted a lineup that was a mix of young talent and seasoned veterans. Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Clayton Kershaw were the faces of a team that had been near the top of the National League for the past several seasons. Their pitching staff, led by Kershaw and Julio Urías, was among the most formidable in the league, and their offense was balanced, explosive, and consistent.

On the other hand, the Yankees entered the World Series with an entirely different story. While they had a slightly bumpy regular season, the Yankees had rallied through adversity to secure their place in the postseason. The addition of superstar Aaron Judge, alongside the consistency of Giancarlo Stanton, the rapid rise of Anthony Volpe, and the timely hitting of DJ LeMahieu, had allowed the Yankees to dominate in key moments. Their bullpen, led by Clay Holmes, Wandy Peralta, and a rejuvenated Aroldis Chapman, was a critical component of their success, while their pitching staff — spearheaded by the crafty Nestor Cortés — provided the stability needed to make a deep postseason run.

Despite facing a more powerful opponent in the Dodgers, the Yankees demonstrated a combination of resilience, strategy, and performance under pressure. The culmination of their efforts was best seen in Cortés’ statement, “We were the better team.” This wasn’t just a throwaway comment; it was a reflection of how the Yankees outperformed the Dodgers across a variety of dimensions in the Fall Classic.

The Yankees’ Dominant Pitching: Cortés Leading the Charge

One of the key components of the Yankees’ triumph over the Dodgers in the 2024 World Series was their exceptional pitching. Led by Nestor Cortés, who was nothing short of dominant throughout the postseason, the Yankees’ pitching staff put on a masterclass in how to stifle a high-powered offense.

Cortés, who had been an unsung hero in the Yankees’ rotation for several years, emerged as the ace of the staff in 2024. His pinpoint control and deceptive delivery caused nightmares for opposing hitters, and in the World Series, he was nothing short of brilliant. Whether it was his changeup that froze batters or his ability to mix up speeds and locations, Cortés kept the Dodgers off balance and stifled their ability to get comfortable at the plate.

But Cortés wasn’t alone. Gerrit Cole, who had long been regarded as one of the most elite pitchers in the league, also delivered an outstanding performance in the series. His overpowering fastball and devastating slider proved to be too much for the Dodgers’ hitters, and he came through in key moments when the Yankees needed him most. The Yankees’ bullpen, always a bit of a question mark in past seasons, stepped up in a big way. With a combination of power arms and crafty relievers, the Yankees were able to shut down the Dodgers’ late-game rallies, keeping the series firmly in their control.

In contrast, the Dodgers’ pitching staff, despite having the likes of Kershaw and Urías, struggled against the Yankees’ lineup. Kershaw, while still a Hall-of-Fame-caliber pitcher, showed signs of aging, and his fastball lacked the same zip it had in years past. Urías, once a reliable postseason performer, seemed out of sync and allowed too many crucial runs. The Dodgers’ bullpen also struggled to contain the Yankees’ offensive outbursts, especially in late innings when New York seized control of games.

For Cortés to call his team the “better team” wasn’t just about his individual success; it was a testament to the Yankees’ pitching staff’s collective ability to shut down one of the most potent offenses in baseball. The Dodgers may have boasted a powerful lineup, but the Yankees proved that pitching often trumps hitting in the postseason, and in this series, they were simply the better team on the mound.

Offensive Firepower: The Yankees’ Balanced Attack

While pitching was undoubtedly the Yankees’ strength in the 2024 World Series, their offense was not to be overlooked. Against a Dodgers’ pitching staff that included Kershaw and Urías, the Yankees were able to generate consistent offense throughout the series.

Aaron Judge, as always, was the focal point of the Yankees’ lineup. His mammoth home runs and ability to come through in clutch situations were critical to New York’s success. However, Judge wasn’t the only contributor. Giancarlo Stanton, despite having a slow start to the series, came alive in pivotal moments, hitting key home runs and driving in important runs. Meanwhile, Anthony Volpe, the rookie sensation, delivered a stellar performance that showcased his potential as a future star for the Yankees. His speed, discipline at the plate, and timely hits were an integral part of the Yankees’ offensive attack.

But it wasn’t just the heavy hitters that propelled the Yankees to victory; it was their depth and balance. Players like Gleyber Torres and DJ LeMahieu, who had their fair share of struggles during the regular season, stepped up and delivered in critical moments. Torres’ ability to get on base and create opportunities at the top of the order helped set the table for the big bats, while LeMahieu’s experience and calm demeanor in high-pressure situations proved invaluable.

In contrast, the Dodgers’ offense, while still potent, struggled to find consistency against the Yankees’ pitching staff. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, who had been the driving forces of the Dodgers’ offense throughout the season, were neutralized by the Yankees’ pitchers. Betts, usually a threat in big moments, couldn’t get anything going against Cortés and Cole, while Freeman struggled to generate power against the Yankees’ rotation.

The Yankees’ ability to generate runs at critical moments, while also capitalizing on mistakes by the Dodgers, was a hallmark of their performance. Cortés’ claim that the Yankees were the better team could easily be supported by the fact that the Yankees not only excelled on the mound but also showcased a lineup that could put up runs in a variety of ways — whether it was the long ball or small ball.

Leadership and Mental Toughness: The Yankees’ Edge

One of the most overlooked aspects of the Yankees’ victory in the 2024 World Series was their leadership and mental toughness. In high-pressure postseason games, experience and composure are invaluable, and the Yankees had both in spades.

Veterans like Aaron Judge and Stanton played pivotal roles in keeping the team focused during key moments. Judge, in particular, stood out as a leader in the clubhouse and on the field. His performance during the series was not only a display of skill but also a testament to his ability to perform under pressure. His leadership helped set the tone for the entire team, and his calm demeanor in the face of adversity was contagious.

The Yankees also showed tremendous mental toughness when it mattered most. In Game 4 of the World Series, with the series tied 2-2, the Yankees faced a daunting challenge. But they remained calm, executed their game plan, and found a way to win. This was a theme throughout the series: the Yankees didn’t let the bright lights of the World Series or the talent of the Dodgers faze them. Instead, they rose to the occasion, and that mental fortitude was a key reason why Cortés felt his team was the better one.

 Cortés Was Right — The Yankees Were the Better Team

When Nestor Cortés declared the Yankees as the better team in the 2024 World Series, he wasn’t just making a bold claim; he was speaking to the heart of what made the Yankees’ performance so dominant. It wasn’t about one player or one game; it was about the complete team effort that carried them to a World Series championship.

From their dominant pitching, led by Cortés himself, to their offensive depth and leadership, the Yankees proved themselves as the superior team in the 2024 World Series. While the Dodgers had their strengths, the Yankees showcased the kind of balance, resilience, and execution that is needed to win a championship. Cortés’ words were a reflection of a well-rounded team that not only overcame challenges but also outperformed their competition at every turn.

In the end, the 2024 World Series wasn’t just another championship for the Yankees; it was a statement. The Yankees were, without question, the better team, and Nestor Cortés was right to say so.