Juan Soto Sends Yankees Back to World Series
Juan Soto is going to be a very, very rich man this off-season. The free agent outfielder-to-be, who is already expected to break records on his next contract, probably blew…
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 19: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the 10th inning against the Cleveland Guardians during Game Five of the American League Championship Series at Progressive Field on October 19, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)Juan Soto is going to be a very, very rich man this off-season.
The free agent outfielder-to-be, who is already expected to break records on his next contract, probably blew all future offers out of the water when he launched a three-run homer to right-center in the top of the 10th inning to give the Yankees a 5-2 lead, and ultimately send New York back to the World Series for the fist time in 15-years.
It all went down perfectly for New York in that 10th inning. A walk to Austin Wells started the inning. Another error by Guardians short stop Bryan Rocchio followed, setting up Soto with two men on and two out.
After fouling off four straight pitches, Soto got a pitch he liked and crushed it. You knew it was gone as soon as center fielder Lane Thomas started back-peddling for the wall.
When the ball went over, Soto stopped looked back toward the dugout and screamed, before rounding the bases.
The ALCS was over. The Yankees were back in the Big Dance.
"I was all over him. That was the only thing I was thinking," Soto told TBS Sports after the game.
SOCIAL MEDIA EXPLOSION
Of course as soon as Soto hit the home run, social media exploded. Many were Yankees fans, excited to be back in the Fall Classic. Others were pointing out that Soto just stamped an even bigger contract come the off-season.
GIANCARLO STANTON
Not to be forgotten in all the hoopla over Juan Soto's game winning homer, but Giancarlo Stanton was named ALCS MVP. Much deserved. Stanton had three homers in the series, including a two-run shot on Saturday that initially tied the game at two.
Stanton is hitting an even .300 with four homers and nine RBI this October.
Aaron Boone & Yankees
For Manager Aaron Boone, GM Brian Cashman and the Yankees, this trip to the World Series has been a long time coming. Since becoming the manager of the Yankees in 2018, Boone hasn't always been popular with a fan base that demands instant results and instant championships. Yet, he's been a steady leader through it all.
This will be Boone's first World Series trip since he played for the Yankees in 2003 when he also had the walk-off homer that sent the Bombers the Fall Classic.
The Yankees will await the winner of the Mets-Dodgers NLCS in the World Series. Should the Mets stage an incredible comeback and win the NLCS, Game 1 will be Friday at Yankee Stadium. Should the Dodgers hold off the Mets for the pennant, Game 1 will be Friday in Los Angeles.
