Cortez was selected by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 9th round of the 2001 Major League Baseball Draft.

He began 2005 in Montgomery before receiving a promotion to the AAA Durham Bulls.He saw his first Major League action with the Devil Rays in 2005, serving as a utility infielder in his limited time with the club after making his debut on July 5, 2005.

On June 20, 2006, Cortez, along with outfielder Joey Gathright, was traded to Kansas City for left-handed pitcher J.P. Howell.

On April 20, 2009, Cortez signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays and was assigned to the AA Montgomery Biscuits.

On June 29, 2010, Cortez signed with the Chicago White Sox organization and was assigned to the Charlotte Knights.