There’s no way around it. The Yankees 5th inning collapse in Game 5 of the World Series will go down as one of the worst meltdowns in Major League Baseball history.
You could make the argument that it’s actually the single-worst collapse we’ve ever seen – and that’s really saying something.
The Yankees defense has been an absolute disaster all season long. The top of the 5th inning last night proved to be the ultimate cherry on top as the Bombers inexplicably opened the door for an epic Dodgers comeback.
Sure enough, the Dodgers kicked the door wide open and made the Yankees pay in painful fashion. The end result was a World Series clinching 7-6 win for LA.
While the sting of this blown opportunity will last forever, the attention in Yankeeland will soon turn to the future of Juan Soto.
Interestingly, Soto lingered in the dugout after the loss last night, quietly observing as the Dodgers celebrated on the sacred Yankee Stadium grass.
Before finally leaving, Soto raised a hand to the sky in what some viewed as a farewell gesture to the organization.
Soto’s future in New York is uncertain as he enters free agency, where his stellar performance – a .308 postseason average with a 1.079 OPS – puts him at the center of what’s expected to be a fierce bidding war.
The 26-year-old right fielder, who joined the Yankees on a one-year, $31 million contract, is expected to draw heavy interest from both New York teams as well as the Dodgers, Blue Jays, Nationals, and many others.
Following the loss, Soto reflected on the rollercoaster season, which was filled with many highs, but ultimately came to a crushing end.
“I’m really happy with the city, with the team, how these guys do,” Soto said. “At the end of the day, we’re gonna look at every situation, every offer that we’ll get and take the decision from there.”
Despite Soto’s appreciation for the Yankees, he left the door wide open to possibilities across the league, adding, “Every team has the same opportunity.”
“I don’t know what’s the teams that are going to come after me,” he continued. “Definitely, I’ll be open to this and every single team. I don’t have any doors closed. I’m gonna be available for all 30 teams.”
Just turning 26, Soto is entering free agency as one of the most coveted players in MLB history, with only Alex Rodriguez – another player represented by agent Scott Boras – reaching free agency at such a young age with similar career accomplishments.
Soto’s skillset and youth make him a rarity, and his contract could push into historic territory, potentially surpassing $500 million or even reaching $600 million.
The last thing Yankees fans want to think about is losing Soto. He was one of the very few players who could be consistently counted on this season.
Soto is heartbroken over the devastating end to the season. He acknowledged that last night could very well be the last time he ever dons the famous pinstripes.
“You never know. At the end of the day, we’ll see where we’re at,” Soto said. “Definitely a tough game to be my last one. But really happy with what we accomplished as a team and how far we got.”
While the season provided plenty of excitement, you won’t find too many Yankees fans who are “really happy” with what the team accomplished and how far they got.
World Series titles are the goal in the Bronx. Not Word Series appearances. And it’s been 15 years since the Yankees last won one.
The Bombers will someday again be on top of the baseball world. Perhaps as early as next season. Yankees fans are hoping that Soto is still donning the pinstripes when that day comes.
What are your thoughts on last night’s horrific collapse? … Who do you blame most for it?
As for Soto, where do you think he ends up? … Has he played his last game in pinstripes???
(On a side note: It’s impossible not to feel terrible for Gerrit Cole. He pitched his heart out and deserved so much better. After being inexplicably pulled after a dominant 88-pitch performance in Game 1, he knew last night was the biggest start of his career – and he delivered … Yes, he should have sprinted to cover the bag at first, but the majority of the blame should be on Anthony Rizzo. He needs to make that play. Period.)
