CLEVELAND – Juan Soto was expected to be the game-changer, the player who would help elevate the New York Yankees to their former glory.
Now, they are just one step away.
Soto hit a three-run homer with two outs in the 10th inning, leading the Yankees to a 5-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 5 of the AL Championship Series, and securing their 41st World Series appearance — their first in 15 years.
Baseball’s most iconic franchise is returning to the postseason’s grand stage.
The Yankees acquired Soto in a significant seven-player trade from San Diego in December, and he has delivered in critical moments that were expected of him.
“Obviously, he posted an incredible statistical season, but in the biggest moments, that’s what he excels at,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. “And it should not be taken lightly.”
Soto celebrated his decisive hit after a tough at-bat, where he fought off several pitches before sending a towering homer over the center field wall.
“It was just an incredible at-bat,” Boone noted.
With the game tied at 2-2 in the 10th inning, Austin Wells walked and Alex Verdugo hit a grounder that was mishandled by Guardians rookie shortstop Brayan Rocchio. After Gleyber Torres struck out, Soto faced a 1-2 count but changed the game momentum with his powerful swing.
Soto’s journey in New York has been remarkable; he has not only blended seamlessly into the team but has also emerged as a leader.
“Being around him is easy,” Boone remarked. “He fits in perfectly without any need for worry on my part. He’s one of the guys now.”
As the 25-year-old Soto becomes eligible for free agency this winter, fans chanted “Re-sign Soto!” during the postgame celebration. Many predict that he could command a contract exceeding $600 million.
The Yankees, who missed the playoffs last year, are set to aim for their 28th title against either the New York Mets or Los Angeles Dodgers, with Game 6 of the NL Championship Series scheduled for Sunday.
Giancarlo Stanton contributed with a two-run homer and was named ALCS MVP. The Yankees took care of the Guardians in five games, although the series offered considerable tension.
The first two games were won by the Yankees without much drama at Yankee Stadium, but the three games at Progressive Field were tightly contested.
After the Guardians managed to come back and win Game 3 through late-game heroics, the Yankees had to fight to retain their lead in Game 4.
“It was a rollercoaster, but we kept fighting back,” Stanton said. “We know there’s more work to do moving forward.”
Cleveland’s season, marked by surprises under first-year manager Stephen Vogt, ended without a World Series appearance. The team last won the championship in 1948, which remains the longest active drought in baseball.
“Only one team gets to win the last game of the season, and it sadly isn’t us,” Vogt said. “We achieved a lot as a team and improved, and I couldn’t be prouder of them. We just fell short.”
The Yankees are back where their fans expect them to be—heading to the World Series. After finishing fourth in the AL East last season with a record of 82-80, the team underwent significant reflection over the winter to turn things around.
The addition of Soto in a blockbuster trade also reinvigorated the team’s chances at a championship run.
Stanton’s game-tying homer in the sixth inning highlighted his significant contribution to the series, allowing him to place among the club’s playoff leaders in career home runs.
Boone expressed relief at returning the Yankees to their expected postseason presence after several years of unmet expectations.
“We have a great group, they trust and support each other,” Boone stated. “This team feels exceptionally close.”
Alongside Soto, fellow player Jazz Chisolm recognized the unique atmosphere within the Yankees organization after his recent trade from Miami.
“I thought I was just joining a baseball team, but I found a family,” Chisolm said.
In injury news, Yankees left-hander Nestor Cortes had another successful live batting practice session and is on track to join the Yankees for their World Series roster. He is expected to throw again early next week after posting a 9-10 record with a 3.77 ERA in 30 starts this season.