In his lone Bronx season, Soto posted 41 home runs and 109 RBIs, slashing .288/.419/.569 across 157 games. He added depth to the Yankees’ lineup and provided Aaron Judge with steady protection in the heart of the order.
During All-Star Week in Philadelphia, Soto was asked to reflect on his time with the Yankees. Rather than focusing on the regular season, he highlighted a memory that stood out.
Soto was asked about his best memory as a Yankee, and he answered without hesitation. He recalled celebrating in Cleveland as one of the greatest memories he could have. That moment came during the 2024 ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians. With the game tied in the 10th inning, Soto delivered a three-run homer that propelled the Yankees to their first pennant in 15 years, ultimately finishing the game 5-2.
That moment remains a defining one for the franchise, transcending his subsequent move. Soto supplied the biggest swing of the 2024 postseason run, and the ensuing celebration is a memory that fans still associate with his time in New York.
Soto also spoke about Ben Rice, a teammate who emerged as a dangerous hitter during that season. Rice carried 29 home runs into the All-Star break, and Soto praised his consistency at the plate, noting that Rice seemed to barrel the ball with every swing.
Looking back, Soto described the Cleveland celebration as one of the greatest memories of his career. His Yankee chapter lasted a single season, ending amid mixed emotions among fans. Yet the three-run homer in the 10th inning of ALCS Game 5 remains a landmark moment in the franchise’s history, and Soto himself affirmed its lasting significance.
Key takeaways:
– Soto’s 2024 season with the Yankees featured 41 homers, 109 RBIs, and a .288/.419/.569 batting line over 157 games.
– His memorable moment came in the ALCS: a go-ahead three-run homer in the 10th inning of Game 5 against the Guardians.
– He highlighted Cleveland celebrations as among his greatest memories, underscoring the lasting impact of that postseason swing.
– Soto praised teammate Ben Rice for his consistent power and approach during that season.
This reflection highlights how one pivotal moment can endure in a franchise’s memory, even when a player’s tenure with the team is brief. The legacy of that ALCS moment remains a significant chapter in Yankees postseason lore.
