As free agency looms, Juan Soto powers Yankees to World Series

CLEVELAND – Juan Soto stood in the batter's box at Progressive Field, poised for the defining moment of the game. With two outs, two runners on, and the score tied in the 10th inning of Game 5 of the American League Championship Series, the tension was palpable. The New York Yankees were on the brink of their first World Series appearance in 15 years, and Soto's father, Juan Soto Sr., had no doubt about what was about to happen.

Soto took the first pitch for a ball, shuffling in his signature style. As he fouled off four straight pitches, staring down the pitcher with an intensity that was all too familiar to his father, confidence radiated from him.

“This is what he does — he thrives under pressure,” his father said in Spanish. “I knew he’d come through. It was just a matter of time.”

The next pitch from Guardians' reliever Hunter Gaddis was a 95 mph fastball, high in the strike zone. Soto connected, sending the ball soaring over the center-field wall for a three-run homer. It was the pivotal moment in the Yankees' 5-2 victory, clinching their spot in the World Series for the first time since 2009. The Yankees now await the winner of the National League Championship Series between the Mets and Dodgers

“That was an incredible feeling, hitting that homer,” Soto said. “I wanted to come through for the team, and I’m glad I did.”

Soto’s blast marked only the second time in Yankees history that a postseason series had been won with an extra-inning home run, the first being Aaron Boone’s memorable shot in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS. It was also Soto’s 10th career postseason home run, tying him for second-most in MLB history for a player under the age of 26. Soto turns 26 on Friday, the same day as Game 1 of the World Series.

“I was just in awe,” said Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman. “We had to shut them down in the bottom half, but man, that was a moment.”

Luke Weaver took care of the rest, working through a single in the bottom of the 10th to secure the win. It was redemption for Weaver, who had blown a save in Game 3, but on this night, he completed the job perfectly.

The Guardians had taken an early 2-0 lead with runs in the second and fifth innings, but the Yankees responded in the sixth inning with Giancarlo Stanton stepping up. With Gleyber Torres on third and two outs, Stanton had already struck out twice against Guardians starter Tanner Bibee, and was quickly down 0-2. But Stanton didn’t chase, waiting for his pitch. Finally, Bibee left a slider hanging, and Stanton crushed it, a 117.5 mph rocket that sailed 446 feet for a game-tying home run. It was Stanton’s third straight game with a home run and his 16th postseason homer, moving him past legends like Babe Ruth and Aaron Judge in Yankees lore.

“It’s special to be part of these moments,” Stanton said after being named ALCS MVP. “But we’ve got one more trophy to win, and that’s the one we’re all focused on.”

As the Yankees celebrated on the field, chants of “Re-sign Soto!” echoed from their fans, aware that Soto’s looming free agency was on the horizon. The Yankees had traded for Soto last December, gambling on a star player to push them over the edge after a disappointing season. That bet paid off.

“We knew it was a big move, but we needed someone like him to get us here,” said Cashman. “And he did exactly that.”

Stanton echoed that sentiment: “We need him to stay. He’s a crucial part of this team, and now we’ve got to bring it home for him, too.”

Soto, calm and collected after his big moment, reflected on the long journey from spring training to October glory. For him, each at-bat is a challenge, an opportunity to intimidate the pitcher and take advantage of any mistake.

“I’ve wanted these moments since day one,” Soto said. “I want the hard at-bats, the pressure. That’s when I’m at my best.”

As his father watched from the stands, his belief in his son never wavered. He had seen it coming.

“He was just waiting for the right pitch,” said the elder Soto. “And when he got it, he did what he always does. He made it count.”Juan Soto’s 10th inning, three-run homer secured the Yankees’ first World Series berth since 2009, cementing his status as a clutch performer while sparking calls for his return ahead of free agency. Giancarlo Stanton also shined, delivering a game-tying home run in a thrilling Game 5 ALCS victory over the Guardians.