Juan Soto's three-run homer in the 10th inning of Game 5 of the 2024 ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians is still etched in the minds of New York Yankees fans. The moment sent the Yankees to their first pennant in 15 years and remains one of Soto's greatest memories as a Yankee.
What happened?
Soto was asked about his time in New York during All-Star Week in Philadelphia and chose to focus on the celebration in Cleveland. "I have so many great memories man, had a great time," Soto said. "Celebrating in Cleveland was one of the greatest memories I can ever have."
The memory belongs to the Yankees regardless of what happened after the season. Soto delivered the biggest swing of the 2024 postseason run, and the celebration that followed was the kind of moment that does not fade just because the player moved on.
Why it matters for Juan Soto
Soto's chapter as a New York Yankee lasted one season. It ended in a way that left a lot of Yankees fans frustrated. That part is not going away. But the three-run homer in the 10th inning of ALCS Game 5 is still part of this franchise's history. Soto said so himself. That memory is not going anywhere either.
What comes next?
Soto's departure from the Yankees left a sour taste for a significant portion of the fanbase. But the numbers from that year are not up for debate. Soto posted 41 home runs and 109 RBIs during his lone season in the Bronx, slashing .288/.419/.569 across 157 games. He made the Yankees lineup deeper and gave Aaron Judge consistent protection in the middle of the order.
Soto also spoke about Ben Rice, his former teammate who has emerged as one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball this season. Rice was at the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby as a first-time selection, carrying 29 home runs into the Midsummer Classic. Soto was asked what he saw from Rice during their time together in 2024. His assessment was straightforward. "Ben Rice, he raked the ball every time," Soto said. "I feel like that's one of the most impressive things, that every time he's hitting the ball, it's just a barrel every time."
Soto's praise for Rice is well-deserved. The young hitter has been a force to be reckoned with in the early stages of his career. His ability to consistently hit the ball out of the park is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
The 2024 season was a memorable one for Soto and the Yankees. While their time together was short-lived, the memories they created will last a lifetime. And for Soto, the celebration in Cleveland will always be one of his greatest memories as a Yankee.
The final score of the game was 5-2, with Soto's three-run blast proving to be the decisive blow. The Yankees' victory sent shockwaves throughout the baseball world, and Soto's performance will be remembered for years to come.
category: player_focus