Juan Soto delivers the Yankees to the World Series

CLEVELAND – Naturally, it was one of those signature Juan Soto at-bats – in a spotlight moment – that sent the Yankees to the World Series.

Tied in the 10^th inning of Game 5, Soto fouled off a slider, two changeups and another slider from Cleveland Guardians reliever Hunter Gaddis, who finally threw Soto a 1-2 fastball.

In the visiting dugout, Luke Weaver felt time stand still as Soto’s towering fly ball “was sitting in the air’’ over Progressive Field. “But it sounded loud, and I figured there was a chance.’’

Yankees’ brass fixated on landing Soto last winter to boost a lacking lineup and break a 15-year pennant drought – a pinstriped eternity.

That promise was delivered with Soto’s soaring three-run homer, lifting the Yankees toward a 5-2 win and a five-game victory in the best-of-seven AL Championship Series.

“Pure Juan Soto fashion”

“I figured he was going to do something like he did,’’ Giancarlo Stanton said of Soto meeting the moment “in pure Juan Soto fashion.’’

Up to that point, Stanton had done more than anyone to bring the Yankees to their first World Series since 2009, with four home runs – three in the last three games here.

Stanton’s game-tying, two-run shot in the sixth off Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee sealed him the AL Championship Series MVP, “but this ain’t the trophy I want,’’ Stanton said.

“I want the next one.’’

Soto? He wants another one, this time with a diamond-encrusted N-Y ring and a ride up the Canyon of Heroes.

Soto turns 26 this Friday, Game 1 of the World Series, with the Yankees either at Los Angeles against Shohei Ohtani’s Dodgers or home against the insanely resilient crosstown Mets.

Off the bat, as a 19-year-old Washington Nationals rookie, Soto contributed to a world championship team. Now, Stanton and Aaron Judge are finally going to their first World Series, and Soto put them over the top.

“We gave up some big pieces,’’ Judge said of the December deal with San Diego, with a key pitcher in Michael King going to the Padres. “But we knew it was something special.’’

The lead up to Soto’s big moment

Of course, Soto’s magic alone couldn’t bring the Yankees here, past a relentless Cleveland club.

Saturday, they needed a good start from Carlos Rodon, and 16 outs from a bullpen running near empty and manager Aaron Boone pressed the right buttons.

“If I would have told you a month ago…that we’re going to close out the American League with Mark Leiter Jr., Tim Hill, Jake Cousins, Luke Weaver – I don’t know if many people would have thought that,’’ said Boone.

By the 10^th, things had lined up for another typically heavy Soto at-bat.

Austin Wells walked, the Cleveland infield committed a rare error, and Soto faced the tough Gaddis with two out.

“He’s one of the guys in the league that’s so hard to freaking get out,’’ said Weaver who got the final six outs. “I’ve faced him plenty of times…(he’s) relentless.

“It’s an at-bat that guys just really don’t want,’’ said Weaver. “He grinds it out, he stares you down, he shuffles on you, he does all the things that might irritate you…but it’s a battle.

“When you go against the best, you’ve got to have your best.’’

“Bring back So-to!”

Before the wildest, champagne-soaked Yankee clubhouse clinching party this October, Soto was on the field thanking “everybody who was involved’’ in bringing him to the Bronx.

“I’m really happy to be here, trading me to one of the best teams I’ve ever been on in my life,’’ said Soto. “I’m really happy to be here and part of this celebration.’’

Behind the Yankees’ dugout, waves of friends, family and fans had broken into a “Bring back Soto!’’ chant, another reminder that Soto’s free agency is arriving fast.

“We gave up a lot and it was a one-year deal for a lot of money,’’ said GM Brian Cashman of his acquiring Soto to win that elusive pennant.

“So, it was a big chess move, no doubt about it, that was designed to increase our chances,’’ said Cashman. “And it did. It sure did.’’

Shouting to be heard in the raucous post-game clubhouse, the exuberant Jazz Chisholm Jr. agreed with the chanting crowds both here, and in the right field bleachers at Yankee Stadium.

“I think we should re-sign Soto!’’ Chisholm yelled. “700 million, let’s go!’’