World Series | After bitter disappointment, Yankees turn to Juan Soto

(New York) The New York Yankees’ season ended in a comedy of errors that left them without a title in an attempt to convince Juan Soto to stay.

Soto was the last player to remain in the dugout after Wednesday night’s 7-6 loss in Game 5 of the World Series, watching the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate.

And the Yankees have only themselves to blame after blowing a five-run lead due to three errors, a catcher’s obstruction, an errant fake and a pitcher who didn’t cover first base.

Soto took a step to the end of first base, pointed to the sky, then followed his Yankees teammates to the locker room for perhaps the last time.

“I’d like to see him wear pinstripes for quite a long time,” captain Aaron Judge said.

Aaron Boone would like to see him in New York even longer.

“I hope he’ll be there forever,” said the manager.

A free agent at 26, Soto is likely to get a contract worth at least US$500 million. Its market is probably limited to the baseball juggernauts, namely the Yankees, the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox may also have a chance.

“Everyone wants to be part of a winning team,” Soto said. This is one of the most important things to consider. »

He gave no clue as to a possible destination.

“I will be available for all 30 teams,” he replied. I don’t want to say that anyone has an advantage, because at the end of the day we’re going to look at what they have and how much they want me. »

A comedy of errors that “will hurt forever”

The Yankees finished the season with a 94-68 record, the best in the American League, after missing the playoffs in 2023. However, they suffered their own loss against the Dodgers and condemned themselves to a 15^e season in a row without a title.

With the Yankees leading 5-0 in the fifth inning of Game 5, Judge dropped Tommy Edman’s flyer to center field for his first error since May 2023. Glove-winning shortstop Anthony Volpe gold, bounced a pitch to third base while attempting a force out and ace Gerrit Cole did not cover the first base on Mookie Betts’ grounder.

Boone was devastated. The locker room remained closed to the media for an extended period after the game, while the manager and players exchanged thoughts on the season and its end, according to reliever Clay Holmes.

“This is going to hurt forever,” Boone admitted.

“I’m heartbroken,” he added, his voice trembling. I am 51 years old. I have dedicated my whole life to it. You run after it, and when you get that close, it’s heartbreaking. »

He recalled the Yankees’ World Series Game 6 loss to the Miami Marlins in 2003, when he was a player.

“I can still see the Marlins and hear them celebrating on our field,” he said. It was one of the most painful moments I have experienced. »

The Yankees have a 2025 option on Boone, who said Wednesday he hasn’t thought about his future after leading the team to a 603-429 record, three American League East titles and a pennant in seven seasons.

The Yankees’ 15 years without a World Series victory is the third-longest drought in organizational history, behind the first 20 seasons, from 1903 to 1922, and 17 from 1979 to 1995.

Changes to come

Much of the training will change. Gleyber Torres is a free agent, as are Holmes, Tommy Kahnle and Tim Hill among the relievers and left fielder Alex Verdugo.

The Yankees are likely to decline Rizzo’s $17 million option. Cole can opt out of his contract, but the Yankees can undo that by adding a 36 million salary for 2029.

The Yankees have weaknesses in the bottom of their batting lineup. The eighth batter was 21^e in major league baseball, at .219, and the ninth hitter was 12^eat .228.

Jazz Chisholm Jr., slotted in at third base after being acquired from the Marlins in July, could replace Torres at second.

DJ LeMahieu, who is returning from three consecutive seasons marked by injuries, signed for two additional years at 15 million each.

Jasson Dominguez could be an option as an outfielder, but he struggled at the plate and defensively after returning from Tommy John surgery.

Judge, who is expected to win his second American League Most Valuable Player award after hitting 58 home runs, has had his share of postseason troubles.

He posted a .184 batting average with three home runs and nine RBIs in 14 games. Now 32, Judge indicated before the World Series that the Yankees’ champions, such as Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, had something different.

“They definitely have a different aura walking around here with a few rings on their fingers,” he said.

Giancarlo Stanton hopes players learn to “never feel that feeling again” and arrive at training next spring with even more focus and a determination to limit mistakes.

“We need to raise the level in all aspects,” he said.