WEST SACRAMENTO -- Plenty of MLB’s biggest stars are switch-hitters. Cal Raleigh, José Ramírez and Elly De La Cruz are just a few among dozens. Even switch-pitchers, like Pat Venditte or Mariners prospect Jurrangelo Cijntje, have had their day. But a switch-throwing position player?!? That’s a new one.
Meet Athletics outfielder Carlos Cortes, who was called up to the Major Leagues for the first time July 22. The 28-year-old is that one-of-a-kind switch-thrower, and he has his father to thank. Juan Cortes knew Carlos’ 5-foot-7 stature and lack of footspeed might limit him defensively, so he concocted a plan for his son.
“My dad is pretty crazy, and he cares a lot about me and wanted me to be successful,” Cortes said. “He came up with, ‘You’re a short, slow lefty. You’re probably not going to play outfield’ -- which is ironic -- ‘so let’s see if you can play some other positions.’”
Carlos has proven Juan wrong in one regard -- he has in fact played only in the outfield in his limited Major League action -- but thanks to his dad, he has a neat trick up his sleeve.
A natural left-handed batter, Cortes throws lefty as an outfielder. But thanks to years of training, he can also play second base -- where he throws righty.
It’s a rare combination, albeit one Cortes doesn’t often get to use. He grew up playing both positions but transitioned to the outfield for good around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"A lot of people told me not to do it full time, but I thought it was better to focus on that and be good at that because I’m not bad at it,” Cortes said. “Definitely better than I was at second base.”
In Monday’s 3-1 loss to the Mariners at Sutter Health Park, Cortes showed off his athleticism in the outfield. He tracked a fifth-inning Randy Arozarena fly ball into the right-field corner, then reached up over his shoulder at the last second to make an acrobatic catch.
The play was a reminder of Cortes’ rawness in the Majors, but it also showed what he’s capable of. If Cortes can keep contributing offensively and can hold his own in the field, he’ll continue to be a valuable part of the A’s roster.
"From getting on base, playing hard in the outfield, making the right decisions, I feel like I can be a good help,” Cortes said.
For Cortes, it was a long time coming. He made his MLB debut Wednesday against the Rangers at Globe Life Field as a pinch-hitter, more than seven years after being drafted.
“I stepped in the box, and I started questioning, ‘Is this actually real? Is this really happening?’” he said. “I really don’t remember much after that.”
Cortes made his first start for the A’s the next day, recording his first career RBI on a sacrifice fly and singling for his first career hit. With a .333 batting average through his first six games, he’s playing an important role for the A’s in his first taste of MLB action.
“He’s done a nice job,” manager Mark Kotsay said. “Carlos is a player who’s earned this opportunity to be here on the roster -- to help us but also to show us he belongs as part of the future.”
Cortes continued to prove his worth Monday, lacing a 99.2 mph line drive past Seattle center fielder Julio Rodríguez in the fifth inning. With Arozarena slow to back up the play from left, Cortes cruised into third base with his first career extra-base hit.
His offensive success might be little surprise given his outstanding numbers at Triple-A (a .322 average, 17 homers, 1.017 OPS), but it’s quite the adjustment to the Major Leagues.
"These guys are good,” Cortes said. “They’ve got really good fastballs, man, and it shows.”
Cortes said he’s grateful for the opportunity to be with the A’s after a long journey through the ranks of pro baseball. After six seasons in the Mets organization, Cortes became a Minor League free agent following the 2024 campaign. He signed a Minors deal with the A’s two weeks later and proceeded to lambaste Triple-A pitching in 2025.
Now, he (and his rare switch-throwing ability) have reached MLB, and the A’s are glad he’s around.
“He’s obviously had a really good career in the Minor Leagues and has made an impact here in his short time, so we’re excited to have him,” A’s designated hitter Brent Rooker said.