What happened: Yandy Diaz took center stage in a lighthearted pre-series greeting ahead of the 2026 World Series opener. The brief moment arrives during the layoff between the American League Championship Series clincher and Game 1 of the Fall Classic.

Why it matters: Diaz enters the final round of the MLB postseason after hitting a double to center field along with singles to left and right in Game 5 of the league championship series. Neither pennant winner holds a prior World Series title, ensuring the 2026 postseason will crown a first-time champion.

What to watch: World Series Game 1 opens the best-of-seven championship series this week.