The New York Yankees’ season ended in a series of mistakes, leaving them to chase after Juan Soto without the excitement of a championship.
Soto was the last player remaining in the dugout after Wednesday night’s 7-6 loss in World Series Game 5, watching as the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated. The Yankees let a five-run lead slip away due to a major collapse that included three errors, a catcher’s interference call, a balk, and a pitcher not covering first base.
He stepped up near first base, pointed to the sky, and then followed his Yankees teammates to the clubhouse, possibly for the last time.
“I would love to see him in pinstripes for quite a long time,” said captain Aaron Judge. Manager Aaron Boone had an even bigger wish. “I hope he’s here forever,” he said.
At just 26 years old, Soto is expected to command a contract of at least $500 million. His options are likely limited to the big-market teams like the Yankees, Mets, and Dodgers, as well as possibly the Blue Jays, Cubs, Giants, Padres, Phillies, and Red Sox.
“Everyone wants to be on a winning team,” Soto noted. “That’s one of the biggest things that you look up to.”
He didn’t give any hints about his preferences, answering questions as carefully as he watches the strike zone.
“I’m going to be available for all 30 teams,” Soto said. “I don’t want to say anybody has any advantage because at the end of the day, we’re going to look at what they have and how much they want me.”
While the Yankees had a strong season with a record of 94-68 and won the AL East after missing the playoffs in 2023, they fell apart against the Dodgers, marking a 15th consecutive season without a title.
With the Yankees leading 5-0 in the fifth inning of Game 5, Aaron Judge dropped a fly ball from Tommy Edman, marking his first error since May 2023.
Gold Glove-winning shortstop Anthony Volpe made a bad throw to third base while trying to get a forceout, and ace pitcher Gerrit Cole failed to cover first base on Mookie Betts’ grounder to Anthony Rizzo.
Manager Aaron Boone was devastated. The clubhouse remained closed to the media for a long time after the game while he and the players talked about the season and its ending, according to reliever Clay Holmes. “This is going to sting forever,” Boone said.
“I’m heartbroken,” he added, his voice shaking. “I haven’t had that feeling of celebrating and going home like many of the guys in there. I’m 51. I poured my life into that. You’re chasing that, and when you get that close, it’s heartbreaking.”
He remembered the Yankees’ Game 6 loss to Miami in 2003 when he was a player. “I can still see the Marlins and hear the Marlins celebrating on our field,” he said. “It was one of the most painful moments that I’ve experienced.”
New York has an option on Boone for 2025, but he said Wednesday he hasn’t thought about his future after leading the team to a record of 603-429, three AL East titles, and one pennant in seven seasons.
The Yankees have not won the World Series in 15 years, marking the third-longest drought in franchise history, after the first 20 seasons from 1903 to 1922 and 17 years from 1979 to 1995.
Much of the team is likely to change. Gleyber Torres is a free agent, along with relievers Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle, and Tim Hill, as well as left fielder Alex Verdugo. The Yankees are expected to decline Anthony Rizzo’s $17 million option.
Gerrit Cole has the option to opt out of his contract, but New York can cancel that by adding a $36 million salary for 2029.
New York has problems at the bottom of its batting order. The No. 8 spot ranked 21st in the majors with a .219 average, while the No. 9 spot was 12th at .228.
Jazz Chisholm Jr., who was brought in from Miami in July and has been playing third base, could take over for Gleyber Torres at second.
DJ LeMahieu, who has had three straight seasons affected by injuries, is under contract for two more years at $15 million each.
Jasson Domínguez could be an option for the outfield, but he struggled both hitting and fielding in left after returning from Tommy John surgery.
Aaron Judge, who is likely to win his second AL MVP after hitting 58 home runs, had a tough postseason, batting only .184 with three home runs and nine RBIs in 14 games. Now 32 and in his ninth season with New York, Judge talked before the World Series about how championship Yankees like Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera carry a special presence.
“They definitely got a different aura walking around here when you got a couple of rings on your fingers,” he said.
Giancarlo Stanton hopes that the players learn “never to have this feeling again” and come to spring training with even more focus and a desire to reduce mistakes.
“Up the level in all aspects,” he said.
