The Juan Soto sweepstakes are about to begin, and returning to the New York Yankees may not be th...

<p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> sweepstakes are about to begin, and returning to the New York Yankees may not be the star outfielder's preference.</p><p>"I don't think so," Soto responded when asked if the perception of him preferring to stay in New York is accurate, according to <a href="https://x.com/snyyankees/status/1851853394194870536">SNY</a>.</p><p>"I'm really happy with the city, with the team, how these guys do. 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."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Soto and the Yankees fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, officially making the 26-year-old a free agent Thursday. However, he'll have to wait until five days after the Fall Classic to sign with a new team.</p><p>"It's going to be exciting. It's gonna be a good experience," Soto said. "Every player in the big leagues wants to experience how it's gonna be."</p><p>The Yankees are expected to be in the running to re-sign Soto, who could ink one of the largest contracts in baseball history after a stellar campaign in his first season in New York.</p><p>The All-Star enters free agency carrying a career .285/.421/.532 slash line with 201 home runs and 592 RBIs in 936 games. Soto has also won a batting title and Home Run Derby and was a member of the 2019 World Series champion Washington Nationals.</p><p>"I feel like every team has the same opportunities when I go into free agency," Soto said. "I don't want to say anyone has an advantage because at the end of the day we're gonna look at what they have and how much they want me."</p><p>Soto <a href="https://x.com/snyyankees/status/1851852604742963318">said</a> he'll consider all options with his agent, even if the money's right from the Yankees. He was undecided when asked if Wednesday's loss was his last game with the club.</p><p>"You never know. At the end of the day, we'll see where we're at," Soto <a href="https://x.com/snyyankees/status/1851852298470727748">said</a>. "Definitely a tough game to be my last one. But really happy with what we accomplished as a team and how far we got."</p><p> </p><p> </p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 25: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees tosses his bat after being walked in the first inning of Game 1 of the 2024 World Series presented by Capital One between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Friday, October 25, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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Soto has no preference in free agency: Will consider 'every offer'

The Los Angeles Dodgers are World Series champions after defeating the New York Yankees in Game 5...

<p>The Los Angeles Dodgers are World Series champions after defeating the New York Yankees in Game 5 on Wednesday.</p><p>Here are some of the best celebrations of the Dodgers' first World Series title since the shortened 2020 campaign.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8193" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8193">Walker Buehler</a> recorded the final out of the series and delivered an all-time great pose after striking out <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5637" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5637">Alex Verdugo</a> to win the Fall Classic.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Start the party, Los Angeles! 🎉 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldSeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldSeries</a> <a href="https://t.co/IJBAdlH2DI">pic.twitter.com/IJBAdlH2DI</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1851836915693101311?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Buehler was greeted by an emotional <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/945" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/945">Clayton Kershaw</a>, who has spent his entire career with the Dodgers and couldn't participate in the postseason due to a toe injury.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">An emotional Clayton Kershaw celebrates the World Series title with Walker Buehler <a href="https://t.co/5aaCo105Jv">pic.twitter.com/5aaCo105Jv</a></p>— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/1851844387703042224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4472" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4472">Teoscar Hernández</a> was one of many Dodgers to win his first World Series title. The slugging outfielder delivered an incredible double thumbs-up celebration after the victory.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="fi" dir="ltr">Teoscar Hernández is a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldSeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldSeries</a> Champion <br><br>He joins <a href="https://twitter.com/thehazelmae?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thehazelmae</a> on the field <a href="https://t.co/iDpzP4ZQ3H">pic.twitter.com/iDpzP4ZQ3H</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1851845393887219720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The title is Dave Roberts' second as manager of the Dodgers. He was amped about getting a parade this time around after one wasn't available following the 2020 victory because of COVID.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"WHO WANTS A PARADE!?!?" <a href="https://t.co/BqaPARttTW">pic.twitter.com/BqaPARttTW</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1851839200695341151?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>After the Dodgers posed on-field with the Commissioner's Trophy and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1412" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1412">Freddie Freeman</a> was named World Series MVP, it was time to pop bottles in the clubhouse.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nothing beats the champagne showers. 🍾🫡 <a href="https://t.co/h72UL3DtJM">pic.twitter.com/h72UL3DtJM</a></p>— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsNetLA/status/1851851541772485099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Freeman and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a>, who won the first World Series title of his career after signing a $700-million contract with the Dodgers in the offseason, got together for a beer shower during the clubhouse party.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE ENTIRE DODGERS CLUBHOUSE IS HAVING THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES!!!!<br><br>YOU LOVE TO SEE THIS$<br> <a href="https://t.co/6TxXQOnFMi">pic.twitter.com/6TxXQOnFMi</a></p>— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/DodgersNation/status/1851849776200818984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4184" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4184">Mookie Betts</a>, who drove in the winning run, enjoyed a freezing-cold beer shower while discussing how bonded and special this Dodgers team was.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mookie Betts: "This is what we said we were going to do and we did it." <a href="https://t.co/Z6RpkVjYvP">pic.twitter.com/Z6RpkVjYvP</a></p>— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsNetLA/status/1851852258964586694?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Finally, The City of Angels celebrated the big win with a massive fireworks display while their Dodgers partied it up in New York. Los Angeles will get to party with the Dodgers during the World Series parade on Friday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The party is on in LA! 🎇 <a href="https://t.co/U92LUBXybk">pic.twitter.com/U92LUBXybk</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1851851141232898170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 30: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with teammates in the clubhouse following the Dodgers' 7-6 victory in Game 5 to win the 2024 World Series presented by Capital One between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 in New York, New York.

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Best of Dodgers' World Series celebrations

Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Jack Flaherty couldn't get out of the second inning against the ...

<p>Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5646" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5646">Jack Flaherty</a> couldn't get out of the second inning against the New York Yankees in Wednesday's Game 5.</p><p>Flaherty recorded only four outs before the Dodgers removed him from the contest. He allowed four earned runs, including home runs to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9520" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9520">Jazz Chisholm Jr.</a> in the first inning.</p><p><a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5637">Alex Verdugo</a> drove in <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13802">Anthony Volpe</a> with an RBI single to chase Flaherty, who was replaced by <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5308">Anthony Banda</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alex Verdugo makes it 4-0 Yankees!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldSeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldSeries</a> <a href="https://t.co/gQDQkVzCQt">pic.twitter.com/gQDQkVzCQt</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1851786473801990430?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Flaherty is the first starter in World Series history to allow four-plus runs and two-plus homers while lasting less than two innings, according to <a href="https://x.com/OptaSTATS/status/1851790536941740539">Opta Stats</a>.</p><p>The 29-year-old's postseason has been up-and-down. Flaherty looked good in the NLCS and World Series openers but allowed 12 combined runs in his other two playoff starts.</p><p> </p>

BRONX, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 30, 2024: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty (0) in the dugout after being pulled from the game. Game 5 of the World Series against the Yankees at Yankees Stadium in New York City Tuesday, October 29 2024. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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Flaherty pulled after recording just 4 outs in Game 5

The New York Yankees defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 11-4 in Game 4 of the World Series on Tuesd...

<p>The New York Yankees defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 11-4 in Game 4 of the World Series on Tuesday to keep their season alive.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13802" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13802">Anthony Volpe</a>'s third-inning grand slam was the difference-maker. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A FULL CIRCLE MOMENT FOR ANTHONY VOLPE!<br><br>GRAND SLAM. <a href="https://twitter.com/Yankees?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YANKEES</a> LEAD! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WORLDSERIES?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WORLDSERIES</a> <a href="https://t.co/X754vjoPGe">pic.twitter.com/X754vjoPGe</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1851432428801581372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Volpe said he "<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3112637" href="https://thescore.com/news/3112637">blacked out</a>" after seeing the ball leave the yard. His blast came after he made a baserunning error in the previous inning, failing to score from second base on a double from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12678" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12678">Austin Wells</a>. The blunder wasn't costly, as the shortstop scored on an <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5637" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5637">Alex Verdugo</a> groundout.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Volpe ultimately had a big game, which included the grand slam, two additional runs, and some key defensive plays, leading to his name being chanted by the Yankees faithful.</p><p>"Definitely No. 1," Volpe responded when asked where hearing those chants ahead of a big win ranked, according to <a href="https://x.com/snyyankees/status/1851473954948452404">SNY</a>. Volpe grew up a Yankees fan and regularly attended games in his youth.</p><p>The Bronx Bombers held a two-run lead until they exploded for five runs in the eighth inning, which was sparked by Volpe and included a three-run homer from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4975" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4975">Gleyber Torres</a>.</p><p>The Yankees overcame a record-setting first-inning home run from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1412" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1412">Freddie Freeman</a>, who homered in his sixth straight World Series game.</p><p>Two Yankees fans were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3112546" href="https://thescore.com/news/3112546">removed</a> from the game in the bottom of the first after they attempted to rip a ball out of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4184" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4184">Mookie Betts</a>' glove following a catch in foul territory.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"Well, A for effort."<br><br>Fan interference was called on this play where a Yankee fan tried to take the ball out of Mookie Betts' glove after an out. <a href="https://t.co/iZ6taImncd">pic.twitter.com/iZ6taImncd</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1851420322295128310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Wells had a solid night at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a solo homer and a walk. He entered Tuesday in a 4-for-43 slump. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> was 1-for-3, reaching base four times.</p><p>New York's eleven runs are the second-most in franchise postseason history when facing elimination, according to <a href="https://x.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1851462817561383413">MLB.com's Sarah Langs</a>.</p><p>The Yankees are also the first team to force a Game 5 when down 3-0 in a World Series since the Cincinnati Reds against the Baltimore Orioles in 1970, per <a href="https://x.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1851465455011000354">Langs</a>.</p><p>Game 5 takes place Wednesday at Yankee Stadium at 8:08 p.m. ET. New York sends ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2913" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2913">Gerrit Cole</a> to the mound, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5646" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5646">Jack Flaherty</a> starts for Los Angeles.</p>

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 29: Giancarlo Stanton #27 and Anthony Volpe #11 of the New York Yankees celebrate after Volpe's grand slam in the third inning of Game 4 of the 2024 World Series presented by Capital One between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 in New York, New York.

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Yankees rout Dodgers in Game 4, stay alive in World Series

A pair of New York Yankees fans were removed from Game 4 of the World Series after they interfere...

<p>A pair of New York Yankees fans were removed from Game 4 of the World Series after they interfered with a catch in foul territory by Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4184" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4184">Mookie Betts</a>.</p><p>Replay showed the fans grabbing Betts' glove and attempting to rip the ball from it. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"Well, A for effort."<br><br>Fan interference was called on this play where a Yankee fan tried to take the ball out of Mookie Betts' glove after an out. <a href="https://t.co/iZ6taImncd">pic.twitter.com/iZ6taImncd</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1851420322295128310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Betts shrugged off questions about the incident postgame, calling it "irrelevant" multiple times.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"When it comes to the first-inning play, it doesn't matter," Betts told reporters. "We lost, it's irrelevant. I'm fine. He's fine. Everything's cool. We lost the game, that's what I'm focused on."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mookie Betts wasn’t interested in talking about the incident with the two fans in the first inning, calling it “irrelevant” to the final result of the game. <a href="https://t.co/t1TJKdvG25">pic.twitter.com/t1TJKdvG25</a></p>— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArashMarkazi/status/1851470312740704585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>An MLB representative told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5884205/2024/10/29/yankees-fans-interference-ejection-world-series-game-4/">Brendan Kuty of The Athletic</a> that two fans were removed from Yankee Stadium.</p><p>"I just see the ball kind of - I don't want to say (go) up for grabs, if that makes sense," said Darren Capobianco, whose brother, Austin, was one of the individuals escorted out. "And then Mookie was swearing at us. Not good."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ban this Yankees fan for life. What if Mookie gets injured here?<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/FWHy4U1lu7">pic.twitter.com/FWHy4U1lu7</a></p>— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) <a href="https://twitter.com/DMAC_LA/status/1851424360885817795?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Yankees won Game 4 to extend the World Series. </p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 29: Fans interfere with Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers as he attempts to catch a fly ball in foul territory during the first inning of Game Four of the 2024 World Series against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on October 29, 2024 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The play resulted in an out.

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Yankees fans removed after trying to rip ball out of Mookie's glove

New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole won't pitch in Game 4 of the World Series on Tuesday and didn't ...

<p>New York Yankees ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2913" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2913">Gerrit Cole</a> won't pitch in Game 4 of the World Series on Tuesday and didn't ask his manager to give him the start instead of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11752" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11752">Luis Gil</a>.</p><p>Yankees skipper Aaron Boone <a href="https://x.com/ChrisKirschner/status/1851367177552593277">said</a> Cole didn't lobby to start the do-or-die home game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, nor were there any conversations about him making the start on short rest, according to <a href="https://x.com/ChrisKirschner/status/1851350859105362418">The Athletic's Chris Kirschner</a>.</p><p>Boone explained that he didn't consider starting Cole because of the ace's unusual season, Kirschner added. The 34-year-old began the year with an injured elbow and didn't make his regular-season debut until June.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Cole won't be available out of the bullpen for Game 4 either, Boone said, according to <a href="https://x.com/BryanHoch/status/1851367492637376586">MLB.com's Bryan Hoch</a>.</p><p>Cole was removed from Game 1 after 88 pitches. He allowed one run on four hits and exited with the lead, but the Yankees went on to lose 6-3 in extra innings.</p><p> </p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 15: Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees reacts in the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians during Game Two of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 15, 2024 in New York City.

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Boone: Cole didn't ask to start Game 4, isn't available in relief

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has no plans to move Aaron Judge in the batting order despit...

<p>New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has no plans to move <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> in the batting order despite the star slugger's struggles at the plate.</p><p>"It's the World Series. No," Boone replied when asked if he would consider moving Judge in the lineup, according to <a href="https://x.com/snyyankees/status/1851005128662217125">SNY</a>.</p><p>"That's our guy. There's pressure in the series in whatever spot you're hitting. He's our guy and confident he'll get it going."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Judge is in a massive World Series funk, with one hit in nine at-bats and six strikeouts. He hasn't been very effective in the postseason as a whole, either, as he's carrying a .150/.280/.325 slash line into Game 3 of the World Series with 19 strikeouts in 40 at-bats.</p><p>The struggles aren't lost on Judge, who called himself out following the Yankees' Game 2 loss on Saturday after he went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.</p><p>"I definitely gotta step up and do my job," Judge said, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/YESNetwork/status/1850386400039903618">YES Network</a>. "Guys around me are doing their job, getting on base, and I'm failing backing them up."</p><p>Judge, who is the front-runner to win the second AL MVP of his career, owns a .199/.304/.436 career slash line in the postseason with 85 strikeouts in 248 plate appearances.</p><p> </p>

Los Angeles, CA - October 26: Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees walks back towards the dugout after striking out swinging against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning during Game 2 of a World Series baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, October 26, 2024.

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Boone not planning to move Judge in order: 'That's our guy' 

Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Shohei Ohtani will play in Game 3 of the World Series despite sufferi...

<p>Los Angeles Dodgers slugger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> will play in Game 3 of the World Series despite suffering a shoulder subluxation in the previous contest, the team announced Monday.</p><p>"He was very adamant that he was going to play," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, according to <a href="https://x.com/BillShaikin/status/1851015601600545048">Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times</a>.</p><p>The injury occurred during the seventh inning of the Dodgers' 4-2 victory. Ohtani slid awkwardly into second base on a steal attempt and stayed down after being called out.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ohtani is slow to get up after he attempted to steal 2nd. <a href="https://t.co/T3Af5GRaiw">pic.twitter.com/T3Af5GRaiw</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1850365127326834883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ohtani has recorded one hit and a run scored in the World Series.</p><p>The Japanese phenom posted a gaudy 1.036 OPS (190 OPS+) during the regular season while slugging 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases. </p><p>The Dodgers will look to take a commanding 3-0 series lead when Game 3 gets underway on Monday at 8:08 p.m. ET in New York. </p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 16: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers leads off first base in the third inning against the New York Mets during Game Three of the National League Championship Series at Citi Field on October 16, 2024 in New York City.

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Ohtani in Game 3 lineup after dislocating shoulder

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz won the Mexico City Grand Prix ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris and teammat...

<p>Ferrari's Carlos Sainz won the Mexico City Grand Prix ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris and teammate Charles Leclerc on Sunday.</p><p>It's the second race win of the season for Sainz and back-to-back victories for Ferrari after Leclerc finished first at the U.S. Grand Prix.</p><p>"This feels good, thank you guys," Sainz said on the radio after the win. "Forza Ferrari. Gracias Mexico."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Sainz won from pole position after a nightmare event for Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who finished sixth after receiving two 10-second penalties for errant driving toward Norris.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The battle for the title reaches BOILING POINT 🔥🥵<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MexicoGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MexicoGP</a> <a href="https://t.co/BnvtHTxaQO">pic.twitter.com/BnvtHTxaQO</a></p>— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1850671370809794578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Norris didn't think too highly of Verstappen's driving.</p><p>"This is not very clean driving in my opinion," Norris said, according to <a href="https://x.com/LukeSmithF1/status/1850657123920724097">The Athletic's Luke Smith</a>. "I avoided it, and it was a good race."</p><p>Red Bull team principal Christian Horner <a href="https://x.com/LukeSmithF1/status/1850655575534653777">believed</a> the time penalties given to Verstappen were "on the harsher side."</p><p>Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez finished 17th in front of his home fans. </p><p>Perez, whose 2025 seat is being threatened by Liam Lawson, spoke poorly of the RB driver during the race, calling him "an idiot" after he crashed and left debris on the track. </p><p>Lawson gave Perez an obscene gesture as he passed him in the late stages of the race.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lawson overtaking Perez in his home race and showing him the middle finger 😭 <a href="https://t.co/04fJHYG972">pic.twitter.com/04fJHYG972</a></p>— Ferran West (@ferranwest) <a href="https://twitter.com/ferranwest/status/1850647033582924162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso (brake cooling issue), Williams' Alex Albon (accident), and RB's Yuki Tsunoda (accident) did not finish Sunday's race.</p><p>Norris' second-place finish cuts Verstappen's lead for the drivers' championship to 47 points with four events remaining on the calendar.</p><p>Ferrari pulled within 28 points of McLaren in the constructors' standings after Sunday's results, which included Leclerc securing a fastest-lap point.</p>

Ferrari's Spanish driver Carlos Sainz celebrates in the podium after winning the Mexico City Formula One Grand Prix at the Hermanos Rodriguez racetrack, in Mexico City on October 27, 2024.

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Sainz wins Mexican GP after nightmare race for Red Bull

The Los Angeles Dodgers must like what they see from New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto in the...

<p>The Los Angeles Dodgers must like what they see from New York Yankees outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> in the World Series.</p><p>The Dodgers are interested in signing Soto this offseason and intend to make a play for him if interest is mutual, sources told the <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/10/27/sports/dodgers-will-bid-for-juan-soto-thanks-to-shohei-ohtanis-contract/">New York Post's Jon Heyman</a>.</p><p>Yankees people don't believe Soto wants to return to the West Coast after his tenure with the San Diego Padres only lasted a season-and-a-half, Heyman reports. They think their biggest threats for Soto in free agency are the New York Mets and, potentially, the Toronto Blue Jays.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Dodgers have the financial flexibility and muscle to sign Soto, who's expected to ink one of the biggest contracts in baseball history thanks to the deferrals in the $700-million contract <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> signed last offseason.</p><p>Soto has enjoyed a tremendous 2024 campaign with the Yankees after coming over in an offseason trade. The 26-year-old slashed .288/.419/.569 with 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, and 128 runs scored in the regular season.</p><p>He's continued to perform well in the postseason, posting a 1.160 OPS with four homers, and he has a .429/.556/.857 slash line in the World Series so far.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 18: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees tosses the bat back to the dugout after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning during Game 4 of the ALCS presented by loanDepot between the New York Yankees and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Friday, October 18, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Report: Dodgers interested in signing Soto

Yoshinobu Yamamoto was tremendous in his World Series debut, allowing one hit in 6 1/3 innings as...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17234" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17234">Yoshinobu Yamamoto</a> was tremendous in his World Series debut, allowing one hit in 6 1/3 innings as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the New York Yankees 4-2 in Game 2.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Yoshinobu Yamamoto retires the final 11 batters he faces in a stellar <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldSeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldSeries</a> performance! <a href="https://t.co/sa6tyCgckA">pic.twitter.com/sa6tyCgckA</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1850360602922791420?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"I was looking forward to this game," Yamamoto said through a translator after the win, according to <a href="https://x.com/MLBONFOX/status/1850375552848281725">Fox Sports</a>. "I'm glad we had a great ending."</p><p>The Yankees made it interesting in the ninth, scoring a run against closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3013" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3013">Blake Treinen</a> before loading the bases with one out. The right-hander struck out <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13802" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13802">Anthony Volpe</a> before he was replaced by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11916" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11916">Alex Vesia</a>, who got pinch hitter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5665" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5665">Jose Trevino</a> to fly out on one pitch.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dodgers</a> will go to New York with a 2-0 World Series lead! <a href="https://t.co/7xPGdLeVl6">pic.twitter.com/7xPGdLeVl6</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1850374270196551901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>All four of the Dodgers' runs came via the long ball, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9695" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9695">Tommy Edman</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4472" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4472">Teoscar Hernández</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1412" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1412">Freddie Freeman</a> hitting home runs off Yankees left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4763" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4763">Carlos Rodón</a>, who lasted just 3 1/3 frames.</p><p>"Unfortunately for me, it wasn't my best," Rodón said, per <a href="https://x.com/snyyankees/status/1850378854692511948">SNY</a>. "They got to some fastballs up in the zone, and they put some good at-bats together."</p><p>The majority of New York's production came from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a>, whose solo home run in the third inning was the Yankees' only hit against Yamamoto. Soto also came around to score New York's second run in the ninth after he led off with a single.</p><p>Yankees captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> had another rough night at the dish, going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. The slugger is 1-for-9 in the World Series with six Ks.</p><p>Dodgers superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> left the field with a trainer after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3109519" href="https://thescore.com/news/3109519">injuring</a> his shoulder while attempting to steal second base in the seventh inning.</p><p>Manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani suffered a subluxation of his left shoulder and will undergo further testing Sunday, according to <a href="https://x.com/Alden_Gonzalez/status/1850381173186298264">ESPN's Alden Gonzalez</a>.</p><p>Roberts added Ohtani's strength and range of motion are good, and the team is "encouraged."</p><p>The series now shifts to New York, with Game 3 set for Monday. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9586" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9586">Clarke Schmidt</a> starts for the Yankees opposite <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8193" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8193">Walker Buehler</a> for the Dodgers.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 26: Enrique Hernández #8 and Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers interact on the mound during Game 2 of the 2024 World Series presented by Capital One between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, October 26, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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Yamamoto dominates, Dodgers take 2-0 World Series lead

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz posted the fastest time during Saturday's qualifying for the Mexico City G...

<p>Ferrari's Carlos Sainz posted the fastest time during Saturday's qualifying for the Mexico City Grand Prix and finished ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and McLaren's Lando Norris.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Mexico GP Qualifying :flag-mx:" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Jr3Ea" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Jr3Ea/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="1043" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Sainz beat out Verstappen after the Red Bull driver had his lap time deleted due to track limits. The Dutchman appeared to have provisional pole.</p><p>"Very happy, a great couple of laps," Sainz said after qualifying, according to <a href="https://x.com/F1/status/1850300047520653479">Formula 1</a>. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Since Austin, we've done a step up, also in qualifying, trying to find something extra with the out lap and the tire preparation. It seems we are going in the right direction."</p><p>Verstappen's teammate, Sergio Perez, and Norris' driving partner, Oscar Piastri, were unable to advance past the first round of qualifying.</p><p>Piastri had his lap time deleted in Q1 after he went off the track at Turn 12.</p><p>"I just went off in the Turn 12, got beached on the curb there, and that was it," Piastri said, according to <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/piastri-slates-very-poor-mistake-that-led-to-mexico-q1-exit/10667196/">Motorsports' Filip Cleeren</a>. "My lap was easily going to be enough, so it's very frustrating to make that mistake. I lost about a second.</p><p>"It's just a tricky circuit, but I don't think today was down to it being tricky. It was just I made a very poor mistake, and that was it."</p><p>There was also an abrupt ending to Q2. Yuki Tsunoda crashed at Turn 12 with ten seconds left in the session, forcing a red flag.</p><p>Tsunoda was uninjured, but the accident cost his teammate, Liam Lawson, a chance to improve his time and potentially advance into Q1.</p>

Pole position winner Ferrari's Spanish driver Carlos Sainz (C) poses for a picture next to Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen (L) and McLaren's British driver Lando Norris after the qualifying session of the Formula One Mexico City Grand Prix at the Hermanos Rodriguez racetrack, in Mexico City on October 26, 2024.

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Sainz takes pole in Mexico ahead of Verstappen, Norris

The Los Angeles Dodgers will play in the World Series for the first time since they won the 2020 ...

<p>The Los Angeles Dodgers will play in the World Series for the first time since they won the 2020 title during the shortened campaign. It will also be their fourth appearance in the Fall Classic since 2017.</p><p>Here's how the Dodgers constructed their star-studded roster.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Method</th>
<th>Players</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Homegrown</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trade</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Free agent</td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Waivers</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>The team below is based on the active roster for the National League Championship Series. The date in parenthesis denotes the time of acquisition.</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Homegrown</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/421995/cropped_GettyImages-1279247206.jpg?ts=1602220231" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/421995/w220xh124_GettyImages-1279247206.jpg?ts=1602220231 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/421995/w320xh180_GettyImages-1279247206.jpg?ts=1602220231 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/421995/w640xh360_GettyImages-1279247206.jpg?ts=1602220231 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/421995/w768xh432_GettyImages-1279247206.jpg?ts=1602220231 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/421995/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1279247206.jpg?ts=1602220231 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ronald Martinez / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Will Smith</strong> (June 9, 2016): Smith is one of baseball's top catchers and has become a mainstay behind the dish since the Dodgers selected him 32nd overall. The 29-year-old ranks third in homers and eighth in fWAR among the franchise's all-time catchers after just six big-league seasons.</p><p><strong>Walker Buehler</strong> (June 8, 2015): Buehler was one of the Dodgers' top starters before elbow injuries sidetracked his career for nearly two years. He struggled in 2024 but showed in Game 3 of the NLCS that he's still capable of dominant performances.</p><p><strong>Gavin Lux</strong> (June 9, 2016): Lux was one of baseball's most heralded prospects after the Dodgers took him 20th overall, but he's struggled with consistency at the big-league level with a career .709 OPS (96 OPS+). He missed most of the NLCS due to a hip injury.</p><p><strong>Andy Pages</strong> (International free agent in 2018): Pages signed with the Dodgers out of Cuba and performed well in the minor leagues before making his big-league debut in April. He showed promise during his rookie campaign and hit two homers in Game 5 of the NLCS.</p><p><strong>Landon Knack</strong> (June 11, 2020): Knack was a second-round pick by the Dodgers who made his big-league debut this season. He authored a 3.65 ERA in 69 innings while serving as both a starter and reliever.</p><p><strong>Ben Casparius</strong> (July 12, 2021): The Dodgers nabbed Casparius in the fifth round. He slowly rose through their minor-league system and got his first taste of the bigs this year. The right-hander looked sharp in 8 1/3 regular-season innings and has continued to pitch well in the playoffs with 4 1/3 scoreless frames.</p><p><strong>Edgardo Henriquez</strong> (International free agent in 2018): The 22-year-old Venezuelan began 2024 in A-ball and soared to the majors with ridiculous strikeout numbers (88 Ks in 53 innings). His high K-rate earned him a spot on the postseason roster.</p><h3>Trade </h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622027/cropped_GettyImages-2033882497.jpg?ts=1711393168" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622027/w220xh124_GettyImages-2033882497.jpg?ts=1711393168 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622027/w320xh180_GettyImages-2033882497.jpg?ts=1711393168 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622027/w640xh360_GettyImages-2033882497.jpg?ts=1711393168 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622027/w768xh432_GettyImages-2033882497.jpg?ts=1711393168 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622027/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2033882497.jpg?ts=1711393168 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mary DeCicco / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Mookie Betts</strong> (February 10, 2020): Betts was acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Boston Red Sox before the 2020 campaign. The eight-time All-Star and 2018 MVP has maintained his status as one of baseball's top players during his time in Los Angeles, winning numerous awards and finishing top five in MVP voting three times.</p><p><strong>Tommy Edman</strong> (July 29, 2024): Edman was picked up at this year's trade deadline in a three-team swap with the Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Cardinals. The NLCS MVP gives the Dodgers a versatile defender and adds length to their already potent lineup. </p><p><strong>Jack Flaherty</strong> (July 30, 2024): The Dodgers acquired Flaherty from the Detroit Tigers for two prospects at the trade deadline. The right-hander has at times looked like an ace for Los Angeles, and he tallied seven shutout frames against the Mets during Game 1 of the NLCS.</p><p><strong>Enrique Hernández</strong> (December 11, 2014): Hernandez is in his third stint with the Dodgers after a couple of seasons with the Red Sox. He's been clutch in the playoffs and boasts 15 career postseason homers, including two this year.</p><p><strong>Michael Kopech</strong> (July 29, 2024): Kopech was acquired in the same three-way deal as Edman. He was brilliant in a late-inning role following the trade, authoring a 1.13 ERA and 10.9 K/9 with six saves in 24 innings. He's continued to perform well in the playoffs, allowing one earned run in 5 1/3 frames.</p><p><strong>Chris Taylor</strong> (June 19, 2016): Taylor was acquired from the Seattle Mariners for pitcher Zach Lee nearly a decade ago. The versatile defender has hit more than 100 homers for the Dodgers and appeared in close to 1,000 games.</p><p><strong>Anthony Banda</strong> (May 17, 2024): The Dodgers purchased Banda from the Cleveland Guardians two months into the 2024 campaign. The southpaw has gotten the Dodgers out of a lot of jams and is a reliable high-leverage option for Dave Roberts out of the bullpen.</p><p><strong>Kevin Kiermaier</strong> (July 30, 2024): Kiermaier was picked up at the trade deadline from the Toronto Blue Jays for lefty Ryan Yarbrough. He's mostly served as a fourth outfielder and late-inning defensive replacement.</p><p><strong>Austin Barnes</strong> (December 11, 2014): Barnes has filled the back-up catcher's role for a decade after coming over in a trade from the Miami Marlins. He only appeared in 54 regular-season games this season and has one playoff appearance under his belt this year.</p><h3>Free agent</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750968/cropped_GettyImages-2178791686.jpg?ts=1729525713" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750968/w220xh124_GettyImages-2178791686.jpg?ts=1729525713 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750968/w320xh180_GettyImages-2178791686.jpg?ts=1729525713 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750968/w640xh360_GettyImages-2178791686.jpg?ts=1729525713 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750968/w768xh432_GettyImages-2178791686.jpg?ts=1729525713 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750968/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2178791686.jpg?ts=1729525713 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Sarah Stier / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Shohei Ohtani</strong> (December 11, 2023): The Dodgers signed Ohtani to a record $700-million contract before the start of the season. The superstar put together MLB's first-ever 50-50 campaign and is expected to win the third MVP of his career. Winning a World Series in his first season with the Dodgers would be the icing on the cake for baseball's best player.</p><p><strong>Freddie Freeman</strong> (March 18, 2022): Freeman joined his home-state Dodgers before the 2022 campaign after spending 12 seasons with the Atlanta Braves. He's made the All-Star team every year since and finished top four in MVP voting in each of the last two seasons.</p><p><strong>Yoshinobu Yamamoto</strong> (December 27, 2023): Yamamoto inked the richest contract ever signed by a pitcher after a remarkable career in Japan. The right-hander battled injuries during his rookie campaign but still posted a 3.00 ERA in 90 innings.</p><p><strong>Teoscar Hernández</strong> (January 12, 2024): Hernández bet on himself in the offseason, signing a one-year, $23.5-million deal after he failed to find a multi-year contract he liked. The move paid off, as the outfielder hit a career-high 33 homers along with 99 RBIs during an All-Star campaign.</p><p><strong>Max Muncy</strong> (April 28, 2017): Muncy signed with the Dodgers after the Oakland Athletics released him in 2017. He's since become a fixture in L.A.'s lineup, hitting 190 homers and posting an .843 OPS in the regular season. He recently set a postseason record by reaching base in 12 consecutive plate appearances.</p><p><strong>Blake Treinen</strong> (December 15, 2019): Treinen signed with the Dodgers five years ago and has put up elite numbers. The 36-year-old's ERA in a Dodgers uniform is 2.29, which includes a 1.93 mark this season. He's also been lights out in this year's playoffs, allowing one earned run in eight innings.</p><p><strong>Daniel Hudson</strong> (December 1, 2021): The 37-year-old continues to defy Father Time. He's pitching in his 15th season despite undergoing Tommy John surgery twice. The right-hander looked good this year, tossing his highest number of innings (63) since 2019.</p><p><strong>Ryan Braiser</strong> (June 4, 2023): Brasier signed with the Dodgers as a free agent after he was released by the Red Sox. The right-hander has been brilliant for Los Angeles, posting a 1.89 ERA in 68 outings. </p><h3>Waivers</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/627684/cropped_GettyImages-2151103780.jpg?ts=1729545006" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/627684/w220xh124_GettyImages-2151103780.jpg?ts=1729545006 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/627684/w320xh180_GettyImages-2151103780.jpg?ts=1729545006 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/627684/w640xh360_GettyImages-2151103780.jpg?ts=1729545006 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/627684/w768xh432_GettyImages-2151103780.jpg?ts=1729545006 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/627684/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2151103780.jpg?ts=1729545006 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mitchell Layton / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Evan Phillips</strong> (August 16, 2021): Phillips was claimed from the Tampa Bay Rays and has become a dependable high-leverage reliever. He's only allowed three hits in 6 2/3 innings this postseason.</p><p><strong>Brent Honeywell</strong> (July 13, 2024): The Dodgers claimed Honeywell off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The screwball specialist had a solid regular season after he came to Los Angeles and has given his club some much-needed length in the playoffs.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 11: Enrique Hernández #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with Mookie Betts #50, Shohei Ohtani #17 and Teoscar Hernández #37 after hitting a solo home run in the second inning during Game 5 of the Division Series presented by Booking.com between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Friday, October 11, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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How the NL-winning Dodgers were built

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman believes he'll be in the lineup for Game 1 of t...

<p>Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1412" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1412">Freddie Freeman</a> believes he'll be in the lineup for Game 1 of the World Series on Friday.</p><p>Freeman said the extended gap between the NLCS and World Series has been beneficial and allowed him to get off his feet and continue to get treatment.</p><p>"With this time off, it's going to be a 100% go for me in Game 1, and then we'll adjust off of that," Freeman said Tuesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/MikeDiGiovanna/status/1848847268243189762">Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 35-year-old has been in and out of the Dodgers' playoff lineups due to the injury he sustained against the San Diego Padres in the division series. He was originally expected to require four-to-six weeks of recovery.</p><p>Freeman owns a .219/.242/.219 slash line in eight postseason games.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 05: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on during the third inning against the San Diego Padres in Game One of the Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 05, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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Dodgers' Freeman: I'm 'a 100% go' for Game 1 of World Series

New York Yankees left-hander Nestor Cortes is willing to put his health on the line to help his t...

<p>New York Yankees left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9727" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9727">Nestor Cortes</a> is willing to put his health on the line to help his team win the World Series.</p><p>"The conversations have been really clear throughout the whole postseason," Cortes said, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/nestor-cortes-hopeful-for-world-series-roster">MLB.com's Bryan Hoch</a>. "We have weighed the consequences that this can lead up to, but if I have a ring and then a year off of baseball, then so be it."</p><p>The 29-year-old hasn't pitched since Sept. 18 because of a flexor strain in his elbow. He's expected to make the World Series roster after he tossed 28 pitches during a simulated game at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Further damage to his elbow could lead to a surgical procedure such as Tommy John.</p><p>Cortes could provide manager Aaron Boone with a bullpen option against the Los Angeles Dodgers' left-handed hitting trio of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1412" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1412">Freddie Freeman</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4250" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4250">Max Muncy</a>.</p><p>"Coming out of the bullpen, I'll be restricted to throwing 20 to 30 pitches, so they're not going to bring me in to face three righties," Cortes said. "I know those are the guys I'm going to face. It's a tough task, but I know I'm able to do it."</p><p>Cortes pitched 174 1/3 innings for the Yankees in the regular season, authoring a 3.77 ERA and 1.15 WHIP.</p>

CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 07: New York Yankees starting pitcher Nestor Cortes (65) looks on before a Major League Baseball game between the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox on August 7, 2023 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, IL.

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Cortes willing to risk injury, miss next year to help Yankees win World Series

Juan Soto delivered the biggest hit of the New York Yankees' season on Saturday, sending them to ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> delivered the biggest hit of the New York Yankees' season on Saturday, sending them to the World Series with a game-winning home run in extra innings to defeat the Cleveland Guardians.</p><p>Soto's teammates and manager praised him for the effort and gave the star outfielder his flowers for a tremendous first season in the Bronx.</p><p>"Juan, just an at-bat for the ages," Aaron Boone said following New York's 5-2 win, according to <a href="https://x.com/snyyankees/status/1847859818318397691">SNY</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Boone added: "It's not surprising, either, that he does it. That's just who he is. He's so good at seizing the moment."</p><p>Soto's dramatic at-bat came against Guardians right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15380" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15380">Hunter Gaddis</a> in the 10th inning. He fouled off four straight pitches from the normally dominant reliever before crushing the game-winner to dead center.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Juan Soto. Ice in his veins. 🥶 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALCS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ALCS</a> <a href="https://t.co/kI7TUvlqXQ">pic.twitter.com/kI7TUvlqXQ</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1847855916374282534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"In the biggest moments, that's what he does," Boone <a href="https://x.com/snyyankees/status/1847861147677987121">said</a>. "It shouldn't be taken for granted."</p><p>Yankees ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2913" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2913">Gerrit Cole</a> also complimented his teammate's effort.</p><p>"He loves these moments," Cole said, according to <a href="https://x.com/YESNetwork/status/1847865021163815344">YES Network</a>. "He's so prepared because he takes every at-bat like he took this at-bat tonight. He looks like he just sleepwalks right through it and drills a ball to dead center."</p><p>Soto is a pending free agent, and fans have made it very obvious they want him to stay in New York, <a href="https://x.com/MLBONFOX/status/1847855968266182887">chanting</a> "re-sign Soto" after his dramatic Game 5 homer.</p><p>His teammates <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9520" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9520">Jazz Chisholm Jr.</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1388" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1388">Giancarlo Stanton</a> agree with the sentiment.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"PAY JUAN SOTO!" 😁💸<br><br>- Jazz Chisholm Jr. to <a href="https://twitter.com/M_Marakovits?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@M_Marakovits</a> when asked what went through his mind when Juan Soto hit his clutch homer in the ALCS <a href="https://twitter.com/gothamsports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gothamsports</a> <a href="https://t.co/9UX4MLx47I">pic.twitter.com/9UX4MLx47I</a></p>— YES Network (@YESNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/YESNetwork/status/1847862931372773734?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"We need him to stay. He's going to stay," Stanton, the ALCS MVP, said, according to <a href="https://x.com/BryanHoch/status/1847871074253304311">MLB.com's Bryan Hoch</a>.</p><p>"We need to bring it home, and then we'll bring him home also."</p>

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 19: Juan Soto #22, Aaron Judge #99 and Anthony Rizzo #48 of the New York Yankees celebrate on the field after defeating the Cleveland Guardians in Game 5 of the ALCS presented by loanDepot to advance to the 2024 Major League Baseball World Series at Progressive Field on Saturday, October 19, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Yankees praise Soto after series-winning HR: 'At-bat for the ages'

Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt wants his team to use its ALCS loss to the New York Yank...

<p>Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt wants his team to use its ALCS loss to the New York Yankees as motivation to succeed in the future. </p><p>"Remember this feeling. Remember this feeling you have right now because there's more left on the table for this group," Vogt said when asked what he told his players after Saturday's season-ending loss, according to <a href="https://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=202481">ASAP Sports</a>.</p><p>"We know we can accomplish more, but be proud of what we accomplished overall and use this to fuel your offseason."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Guardians won 92 games and advanced to the ALCS for the first time since 2016 under Vogt, who took over for Terry Francona before the season began.</p><p>Cleveland played the Yankees tough during the five ALCS games against New York - each contest was decided by three runs or less. The Guardians also stopped a streaking Detroit Tigers squad in the ALDS after winning their second division title in three seasons.</p><p>Most of the Guardians' roster is returning next season, putting them in good position for more success. Cleveland's free agents include <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9542" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9542">Shane Bieber</a>, Alex Cobb, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5285" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5285">Matthew Boyd</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3638" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3638">Austin Hedges</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/158" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/158">Carlos Carrasco</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12322" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12322">Anthony Gose</a>.</p><p>Entering 2025 with a similar foundation gives Vogt hope for the future.</p><p>"Obviously we're hurting. What a game to finish it on. This group of guys worked extremely hard from Day 1," Vogt said. "We believed, and we still believe we can be better. We can be more." </p>

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 10: Manager Stephen Vogt #12 of the Cleveland Guardians looks on prior to the game against the Detroit Tigers during Game Four of the Division Series at Comerica Park on October 10, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Vogt: 'More left on the table' for Guardians after ALCS loss

Aaron Judge is proud of the New York Yankees for winning the American League pennant following Sa...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> is proud of the New York Yankees for winning the American League pennant following Saturday's ALCS win over the Cleveland Guardians, but the captain wants more.</p><p>"We didn't come here for this," Judge said, according to the <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/10/20/sports/yankees-overcame-tough-times-to-get-to-this-world-series-moment/">New York Post's Ryan Dunleavy</a>. </p><p>"We came here for the ultimate prize."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Yankees advanced to the World Series for the first time since 2009 thanks to Juan Soto's game-winning three-run home run in the 10th inning Saturday. Giancarlo Stanton was named ALCS MVP after hitting four homers and seven RBIs in the series.</p><p>Judge said the Yankees' journey to the World Series was more about how they dealt with adversity over the season than any stand-out performances. He also credited his teammates for their toughness throughout the campaign.</p><p>"You make friends in good times, but adversity builds a family," Judge said. </p><p>"It builds a trust that we're going to have each other's backs in good times and bad. That's what we went through (in 2024). I know we won our division, but we went through some tough times and had to answer some tough questions. Those tough times build moments like this."</p><p>The Yankees will turn their attention to the winner of the NLCS between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets. The two squads square off Sunday, with the Dodgers holding a 3-2 lead in the series.</p>

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 19: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees celebrates during the trophy ceremony after beating the Cleveland Guardians 5-2 in 10 innings in Game Five of the American League Championship Series at Progressive Field on October 19, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Judge not satisfied with AL pennant: 'We came here for the ultimate prize'

The Tampa Bay Rays need a new home after Tropicana Field was damaged by Hurricane Milton, but the...

<p>The Tampa Bay Rays need a new home after Tropicana Field was damaged by Hurricane Milton, but they won't be moving to Montreal.</p><p>Olympic Stadium is not available while it undergoes roof construction over the next four years, Montreal officials told <a href="https://www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/2024/10/18/montreal-olympic-stadium-tropicana-field-roof-expos-hurricane-milton/">Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times</a>.</p><p>"Until 2028, the field of play will be within a construction site and therefore not open to the public," officials said in an email.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Montreal was previously considered as part of a plan in which the Rays would split their time between two cities. The idea was ultimately rejected by Major League Baseball in 2022.</p><p>Tropicana Field's roof was shredded by Hurricane Milton earlier this month, with the Rays saying it would take weeks to assess the damage.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here’s some drone video we shot giving you a look at the extensive damage to the roof and the inside of Tropicana Field, the home of <a href="https://twitter.com/RaysBaseball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RaysBaseball</a>. <a href="https://t.co/WLL1uD8PHh">pic.twitter.com/WLL1uD8PHh</a></p>— Ryan Bass (@Ry_Bass) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ry_Bass/status/1844355107749757066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Rays were recently told their Triple-A site in Durham, North Carolina was unavailable due to scheduling conflicts and logistical issues. </p><p>Other potential sites are being discussed internally by the Rays, according to Topkin.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

A drone image shows the dome of Tropicana Field which has been torn open due to Hurricane Milton in St. Petersburg, Florida, on October 10, 2024. At least four people were confirmed killed as a result of two tornadoes triggered by Hurricane Milton on the east coast of the US state of Florida, local authorities said Thursday.

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Montreal's Olympic Stadium not an option for Rays

The New York Yankees are having a lot of success against Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clas...

<p>The New York Yankees are having a lot of success against Cleveland Guardians closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11259" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11259">Emmanuel Clase</a> in the postseason, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1388" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1388">Giancarlo Stanton</a> says it has to do with their mentality against the normally dominant reliever.</p><p>"Not being scared, not being intimidated, just going in there with the right proper plan," Stanton said after the Yankees' 8-6 win in Game 4 on Friday, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/yankees-win-alcs-game-4-2024">MLB.com's Bryan Hoch</a>. </p><p>"It's going to be a tough at-bat, we know that, but this game is tough, and we need runs."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Yankees scored two earned runs, including the eventual game-winner, against Clase in the ninth inning of Friday's win. It was the second consecutive game in which New York got to the Guardians closer after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> and Stanton hit back-to-back homers off him in Game 3.</p><p>The poor Game 3 outing from Clase prompted him to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3102063" href="https://thescore.com/news/3102063">flaunt</a> his MLB awards on social media in response to criticism he's received during the playoffs.</p><p>Clase said after Friday's loss that he isn't executing in the same way as he was during the regular season but remains confident in himself moving forward.</p><p>"I'm not losing my confidence," Clase said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/41877882/guardians-clase-says-lack-execution-alcs-surprising">ESPN's Bradford Doolittle</a>. "I'm going to give my best. It's something that I'm surprised about, what's happening."</p><p>Despite Clase owning a 27.00 ERA in the championship series following Friday's outing, Stanton isn't thinking any less of the pitcher or the Guardians as the Yankees look to close out the ALCS and advance to their first World Series since 2009.</p><p>"As far as I'm concerned, we haven't done nothing," Stanton said. "We'll enjoy this for now, but we've got to get it done tomorrow and on to the next." </p>

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 17: Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the New York Yankees celebrates a home run with teammates during the eighth inning against the Cleveland Guardians during Game Three of the American League Championship Series at Progressive Field on October 17, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Stanton: Yankees successful against Clase because they're not 'scared'

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Bryan Mcwilliam

News Editor

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