In the annals of Major League Baseball, where quirks and rarities often define legendary moments, Carlos Cortes added a truly one-of-a-kind chapter on August 10, 2025. The Oakland Athletics outfielder became the first position player in MLB history to enter a game throwing with one hand and later switch throwing hands while changing positions—all in the same contest. This historic display of versatility not only helped secure a gritty win for the Athletics but also spotlighted Cortes’ unique skill set in a sport where ambidexterity is as rare as a perfect game.
Carlos Andres Cortes, born on June 30, 1997, in Orlando, Florida, has always been a player willing to adapt. Drafted by the New York Mets in the 20th round of the 2016 MLB Amateur Draft straight out of Lake Howell High School, Cortes initially chose college over pro ball, attending the University of South Carolina. There, he honed his skills as a switch-hitter and left-handed thrower, leading to his re-draft by the Mets in the third round (83rd overall) of the 2018 draft.
Starting his professional career as a second baseman, Cortes transitioned to the outfield full-time after the 2019 season to better utilize his athleticism. What sets him apart, however, is his switch-throwing ability—a talent he developed at age eight to expand his defensive options beyond the typical constraints for left-handers, who are often limited to first base or the outfield. Though natural lefties dominate his throws, Cortes can competently hurl right-handed, making him one of only two position players in the MLB database listed as switch-throwers (the other being Milwaukee Brewers utility man Anthony Seigler, who has yet to switch hands in a game).
Cortes made his long-awaited MLB debut on July 23, 2025, after years in the minors, and quickly became a valuable bench piece for the Athletics. At 28 years old, he entered the 2025 season as a lefty-throwing outfielder, but fate—and a depleted bench—would soon demand more.
The stage for Cortes’ historic moment was set during a tense matchup between the Oakland Athletics and the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 10, 2025. The Athletics, riding a hot streak with an 11-5 record since July 24, were clinging to a slim chance in a tight game.
The contest remained scoreless until the top of the ninth inning, when catcher Willie MacIver delivered a go-ahead two-run double, giving Oakland a 3-2 lead. Rookie pitcher Elvis Alvarado then closed out the bottom of the ninth for his first MLB win, sealing the victory and capping a successful 4-2 road trip for the A’s.
But the real drama unfolded in the late innings due to roster constraints. In the bottom of the eighth, Cortes entered as a defensive replacement for right fielder Brent Rooker, taking the field as a left-handed thrower—a standard setup for him in the outfield. Things escalated in the ninth when the Athletics pinch-ran outfielder Lawrence Butler for third baseman Gio Urshela, leaving them short on infield options. With no other players available who had infield experience, manager Mark Kotsay turned to Cortes, the only viable choice left on the lineup card.
Cortes, who had never played third base professionally, agreed to the challenge despite the unfamiliarity. There was one hitch: he only carried a left-handed glove. Undeterred, he borrowed a right-handed infield glove from teammate Max Schuemann and took his position at third base, now throwing right-handed to accommodate the demands of the infield role.
The move was strategic—several left-handed hitters were due up for the Orioles, making a right-handed thrower at third more advantageous. Fortunately for the nervous Cortes, no balls were hit his way during the inning, as Alvarado efficiently retired the side. Still, the feat stood: Cortes had switched throwing hands mid-game, moving from left-handed right field to right-handed third base, marking the first documented instance of such a switch by a position player in MLB history.
Switch-throwing is exceedingly rare in baseball, especially among position players. While ambidextrous pitchers like Pat Venditte have made headlines, position players switching hands in-game is unprecedented. MLB records confirm no prior examples, making Cortes’ adaptability a milestone that underscores the evolving nature of the game.
Athletics manager Mark Kotsay praised the effort in his post-game comments: “This was an old-fashioned team win. Everyone contributed. We had an ambidextrous player switch hands and go on the infield. That just says a lot about the willingness to sacrifice for the team and put yourself in an uncomfortable position.” Cortes himself reflected on the nerves: “I was going to go to second. Then they told me to go to third, probably because there was a bunch of lefties coming up. I was cool with it. But I was nervous.” He added a light-hearted note: “I gotta bring my own glove now. Just in case.”
The moment quickly gained traction on social media, with the official Athletics account posting a video highlighting “Left-handed right-fielder 🤝 Right-handed third baseman Carlos Cortes,” garnering over 100,000 views and widespread praise for his versatility.
This historic event not only cements Cortes’ place in baseball lore but also highlights his value to a rebuilding Athletics team. As Oakland continues its push in the latter half of the 2025 season, Cortes’ multi-faceted skills could open doors to more utility roles, potentially inspiring other players to develop similar abilities.
In a sport built on tradition, Carlos Cortes proved that innovation and selflessness can create history. Whether he’s throwing lefty from the outfield or righty from the hot corner, one thing is clear: Cortes is ready for whatever baseball throws his way.
