Soto powers Yanks to 1st World Series since ’09
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Jorge Castillo, ESPN Staff Writer
CLEVELAND — The man who knows Juan Soto best didn’t have a doubt.
Soto stood in the batter’s box at Progressive Field. Two on, two out, tie game, 10th inning, another classic between the New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians brewing in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series on Saturday. Another night of thrills and drama with the Yankees one win from their first World Series appearance in 15 years. Another opportunity for Soto to deliver under pressure. And Juan Soto Sr. knew — he just knew — his son would come through.
The trademark Soto shuffle after taking the first pitch for a ball. The stare-downs after fouling off four straight pitches. His refusal to concede. The elder Soto sensed his son was in his element.
“That’s what he does: He performs in the clutch,” he said in Spanish. “He works under pressure. And I was completely confident. I knew something was going to happen in that at-bat.”
What happened was a moment that will live on Yankees highlight reels forever: a three-run homer on the first fastball Soto saw from Hunter Gaddis. It was a 95 mph, letter-high offering that Soto blasted over the wall in center field that ultimately sent the Yankees to the World Series for the first time since 2009 in a 5-2 win. They await the winner between the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series.
“It’s a great feeling, to hit that homer and get the lead for the team,” Soto said. “And coming through big time.”
Soto’s blast was the second extra-inning home run to clinch a postseason series in Yankees history, joining manager Aaron Boone’s home run in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS against the Boston Red Sox. It was Soto’s 10th career postseason home run, tied for the second most in major league history for a player before his 26th birthday. Soto will turn 26 on Friday — on the day of Game 1 of the World Series.
“I remember just going, ‘Oh my God,'” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. “Did the prayer sign. And then knew that we had to somehow put them down in the bottom of the inning, because these guys don’t go easy.”
Luke Weaver completed that job, working around a single to toss a clean inning and rebound from his blown save in Game 3. Saturday’s save sealed a game that began with the Guardians taking a 2-0 lead with runs in the second and fifth inning off Yankees starter Carlos Rodon.
That set the stage for the Yankees’ other October-moment-seizing star. Giancarlo Stanton stepped to the plate with Gleyber Torres on third base and two outs in the sixth inning. On the mound stood Tanner Bibee, who had, to that point, given the Guardians exactly what they needed: 5⅔ scoreless innings. He had struck out Stanton in their first two clashes. A third appeared imminent when Stanton fell behind 0-2, but Bibee followed with three straight pitches that weren’t enticing enough for Stanton to chase.
So Stanton waited. Finally, he got a slider that Bibee hung over the plate and pounced, demolishing the baseball at 117.5 mph off the bat and sending it 446 feet away for a game-tying home run. It was the 34-year-old Stanton’s third straight game with a home run, and all came with two strikes. It was his 16th home run in 36 career postseason games, passing Aaron Judge and Babe Ruth for third most in Yankees history.
“It’s a special moment for me,” said Stanton, who was named ALCS MVP. “It’s a special time. But this ain’t the trophy I want. I want the next one.”
Stanton spoke on the field as his teammates celebrated with coaches, front office personnel, support staff and family. Yankees fans filled the sections of seats behind their dugout. They cheered when players ran off. They chanted players’ names. Occasionally, they chanted, “Re-sign Soto!”
Soto’s impending free agency has hung in the background since the Yankees traded a haul of talented players for him in December. They believed the risk, after a disappointing 82-80 season without a playoff appearance, was worth the chance. He was the ideal complement to Judge and a proven postseason performer they believed would thrive while playing in New York City. They were right.
“We need him to stay,” Stanton said. “He’s going to stay. We need to bring it home, and then we’ll bring him home also.”
As Cashman added, “That was the whole purpose of going all-in. We gave up a lot, and it was a one-year deal for a lot of money. And so it was a big chess move, no doubt about it, that was designed to increase our chances. And it did.”
Those chances increased Saturday because Soto didn’t stray from the approach he takes into every at-bat, whether during spring training in February or on the biggest stage in October. Every plate appearance is a one-on-one battle, an opportunity to intimidate the pitcher with each shuffle, each stare-down, each healthy hack.
Soto won another battle in the 10th inning Saturday, against one of the best relievers in baseball. When he did, the Yankees’ dugout erupted, players spilling out onto the field once the ball landed. Soto stopped halfway down the first-base line, turned to his team and pounded his chest twice with both hands. The ballpark, besides the pockets of Yankees fans, went silent.
“I’ve wanted it since day one,” said Soto, who won the 2019 World Series with the Washington Nationals. “I’ve said it since spring training. Give me every hard moment. Give me every tough [at-bat]. I’m going to step up to the plate and try to do my best.”
His father watched from the stands. There was never a doubt in his mind.
“I was confident,” the elder Soto said. “He was waiting for his pitch because he wasn’t going to go with the pitcher’s pitch. And like he told me, if he makes a mistake or if he repeats it two times, it’s gone. And that’s how it went.”
There has been no shortage of excitement already this NHL offseason. Following the Florida Panthers‘ second consecutive Stanley Cup championship — and seemingly never-ending celebration — the annual period of roster modification has begun.
The 2025 NHL draft included 224 prospects finding new homes, and the weekend included trades for Noah Dobson, Charlie Coyle and John Gibson. On Monday, a slew of re-signings, and the trade of Mitch Marner, took several big names off the free agent big board.
Below you will find our continuously updated free agency tracker for 2025, featuring a list of every player signed, including average annual value of the contract in most cases. Analysis of the biggest deals can be found here.
Note that the newest deals are on top, denoted by date.
Draft recap: All 224 picks
Grades for all 32 teams
Winners and losers
July 2
Salmon Arm, British Columbia, native Curtis Lazar is headed back to Western Canada, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Oilers.
Veteran winger Anthony Mantha has made the rounds in recent seasons, and his next NHL home is in Pittsburgh, inking a one-year, $2.5 million pact.
July 1
After a brief stint for an American-based team, Andrew Mangiapane is back in Western Canada, inking a two-year, $3.6 million AAV deal with the Oilers.
Forward Justin Brazeau has chosen the Penguins as his next NHL destination, inking a two-year, $1.5 million AAV contract.
The Devils continued adding to their forward depth, adding veteran scoring winger Evgenii Dadonov via a one-year, $1 million deal.
The July 1 goalie rush continues. The Mammoth are the latest team to make an addition in the crease, inking Stanley Cup champion Vitek Vanecek via a one-year, $1.5 million deal.
Offensive defenseman John Klingberg is headed to San Jose, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $4 million pact with the Sharks.
One of the top remaining free agents available, veteran forward Mikael Granlund has landed with the Ducks on a three-year deal.
Veteran bottom-six forward Lars Eller has chosen the Senators as his next team, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $1.25 million deal.
The Penguins have extended their business relationships with Philip Tomasino (one year, $1.75 million) and Connor Dewar (one year, $1.1 million).
As part of the effort to retake the title of Florida’s best hockey team, the Lightning have inked Pontus Holmberg to a two-year, $1.55 million AAV contract.
The Wild have added Nico Sturm. The former Panther has signed a two-year, $2 million AAV contract.
The Sabres have entered the chat! The club’s first big deal of the day is inking goaltender Alex Lyon to a two-year, $1.5 million AAV contract.
The Kraken add to their goaltending depth, adding former Stanley Cup winner Matt Murray on a one-year, $1 million contract.
The Islanders had themselves a great draft weekend, and they continue the momentum in free agency, adding veteran forward Jonathan Drouin on a two-year, $4 million AAV deal.
The Stars are on the board. Hours after announcing the official hiring of Glen Gulutzan as the club’s new head coach, the Stars have brought back forward Radek Faksa on a two-year, $3 million AAV contract.
Earlier on Tuesday the Kings lost defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to the Rangers. To help fill that blue-line gap, they signed Cody Ceci (four years, $4.5 million AAV) and Brian Dumoulin (three years, $4 million AAV). They also signed goaltender Anton Forsberg for two years, $2.25 million AAV.
Defenseman Nick Perbix has thus far only known NHL life as a member of the Lightning. He’ll head to Nashville next, agreeing to a two-year, $2.75 million AAV deal with the Predators.
The Panthers have gone to the veteran defenseman well again, signing Jeff Petry to a one-year, $775,000 contract.
Fresh off a Stanley Cup with the Panthers, defenseman Nate Schmidt is joining the Mammoth by way of a three-year, $3.5 million AAV contract.
The NHL career of James van Riemsdyk will continue, as he has agreed to terms with the Red Wings on a one-year, $1 million deal. Separately, the Wings added Jacob Bernard-Docker on a one-year, $875,000 contract.
The Bruins add to their depth, agreeing to terms with Sean Kuraly on a two-year, $1.85 million AAV pact.
Another key member of the Panthers’ championship roster is returning. Veteran forward Tomas Nosek has agreed to a one-year deal.
After completing the 2024-25 season with the Jets, veteran forward Brandon Tanev is sticking in the Central Division, but heading to Utah by way of a three-year, $2.5 million AAV deal.
Take another goalie’s name off the big board! Kaapo Kahkonen has agreed to terms with the Canadiens on a one-year deal worth $1.15 million. In a separate deal, the club also signed forward Sammy Blais.
The winner of the 2020 Hobey Baker Award as the top player in NCAA men’s hockey, defenseman Scott Perunovich has signed a one-year deal with the Mammoth.
In need of some backup goaltending depth, the Islanders agreed to terms with “Big Save” Dave Rittich on a one-year deal.
Diminutive, versatile forward Kailer Yamamoto is the latest player added by the Mammoth, by way of a one-year, $775,000 pact.
Veteran center Nick Bjugstad has made his decision: He’s joining the Blues by way of a two-year contract.
Veteran defenseman Ryan Lindgren finished the 2024-25 season with the Avalanche, and he’ll head northwest for his next NHL home, agreeing to terms on a four-year, $4.5 million AAV contract.
The Senators haven’t been able to lure any new free agents to the club yet, but their re-signing game remains strong. After re-upping with Claude Giroux, the Sens also continued their business relationship with Nick Cousins via a one-year, $825,000 pact.
Sure to be a fan favorite in Beantown, veteran forward Tanner Jeannot has agreed to terms on a five-year contract with the Bruins, with a $3.4 million AAV.
A sixth-round pick in the 2016 draft, winger Michael Pezzetta is going from Montreal to Toronto via a two-year, $787,500 AAV contract.
Connor Brown impressed a lot of viewers with inspired play during the Oilers’ run to the Stanley Cup Final. Now, he’ll bring that energy to the Devils, who have signed him to a four-year, $3 million AAV contract.
The defenseman market is one key player smaller, as the Rangers have agreed to terms with Vladislav Gavrikov on a seven-year, $7 million AAV contract.
One of the top goaltending options available is off the board, with Dan Vladar joining the Flyers via a two-year, $3.35 million AAV contract.
Veteran feisty forward Corey Perry is switching sides in the Oilers-Kings rivalry, agreeing to terms on a one-year deal with salary and bonuses worth $3.5 million. Separately, the Kings also signed veteran forward Joel Armia to a two-year deal with a $2.5 million AAV.
One of the top available free agents has made a decision … and he’ll be re-signing. Brock Boeser is back with the Canucks by way of a seven-year, $7.3 million AAV contract.
Parker Kelly will continue his career with the Avalanche, agreeing to terms on a four-year contract with a $1.7 million AAV.
Veteran forward Colin Blackwell will be returning to the Stars, agreeing to terms on a two-year deal with a $775,000 AAV.
Christian Dvorak has moved on from the Canadiens, agreeing to a one-year, $5.4 million contract with the Flyers.
Noah Juulsen, welcome to Philly! The Flyers have inked the 28-year-old defenseman to a one-year, $900,000 deal.
Defenseman Ryan Johnson is sticking with the Sabres, agreeing to terms on a three-year deal with a $775,000 AAV.
The top-rated goaltender slated to hit free agency this offseason will not make it to market; Jake Allen is back with the Devils via a five-year contract with a $1.8 million AAV.
Veteran offensive defenseman Tony DeAngelo will be back with the Islanders for 2025-26, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $1.75 million contract.
June 30
The Red Wings will be continuing their relationship with veteran forward Patrick Kane, inking a one-year, $3 million extension.
The band is getting back together. After re-upping with Sam Bennett last week, the Panthers re-signed both Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand on Monday.
Rumors of a Mitch Marner trade popped up during draft weekend, and they came to fruition Monday, as the Maple Leafs inked Marner to an eight-year, $12 million average annual value extension, then traded him to the Golden Knights for Nicolas Roy.
The Oilers will not be allowing one of their promising young players to leave via offer sheet, as they signed restricted free agent defenseman Evan Bouchard to a four-year, $10.5 million AAV contract.
Veteran defenseman Ivan Provorov would have been one of the most sought-after blueliners on the free agent market. Instead, he’ll be back with the Blue Jackets for the foreseeable future, agreeing to a seven-year, $8.5 million AAV deal.
George Springer had a career-high seven RBIs, including his ninth grand slam, and the Toronto Blue Jays celebrated Canada Day by beating the Yankees 12-5 on Tuesday and closing within one game of American League East-leading New York.
The seven RBIs are tied for the second most by any Blue Jays player in a home game, behind Edwin Encarnación (nine RBIs in 2015), according to ESPN Research.
Andrés Giménez had a go-ahead, three-run homer for the Blue Jays, who overcame a 2-0 deficit against Max Fried. After the Yankees tied the score 4-4 in the seventh, Toronto broke open the game in the bottom half against a reeling Yankees bullpen.
Springer went 3-for-4, starting the comeback with a solo homer in the fourth against Fried and boosting the lead to 9-5 with the slam off Luke Weaver after Ernie Clement‘s go-ahead single off shortstop Anthony Volpe‘s glove. Springer has 13 homers this season.
Toronto won the first two games of the four-game series and closed within one game of the Yankees for the first time since before play on April 20.
New York went 2-for-17 with runners in scoring position, dropping to 3-for-24 in the series, while the Blue Jays were 5-for-7. After going 13-14 in June, the Yankees fell to 10-14 against AL East rivals.
The Associate Press contributed to this report.
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