Juan Soto nodded with confidence as he glared toward the mound, deep into a high-stakes battle with nothing less than a pennant on the line. He’d already spoiled two changeups and a slider in this extra-innings showdown,

CLEVELAND—The New York Yankees traded for Juan Soto for one reason: to bring them their first championship since 2009, a drought long enough to qualify as an emergency in the Bronx.They were so certain that Soto was the missing piece that they were willing to part with five players in exchange for just one guaranteed season with him in their outfield.

When acquiring the star last year, New York knew he might be a one-year rental. What the four-time All-Star did in Game 5 of the ALCS made it all worth it.