Soto and Lindor Aim for Fresh Start with Mets

Star players downplay any rift as team looks to move past disappointing 2025 season

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Despite a perceived rift between star players Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor, the Mets are focused on moving past their disappointing 2025 season and building a winning culture for 2026. Both players insist they have a good relationship and are committed to helping the team succeed, as the Mets have overhauled the roster in the offseason.

Why it matters

Soto and Lindor are two of the most prominent Latino players in baseball and the faces of the Mets franchise. How they lead the team and work together will be crucial to the Mets' success this season after a tumultuous 2025 campaign.

The details

While there were reports of a 'toxic' clubhouse last season, Soto and Lindor both say they have a good relationship and are focused on winning. Manager Carlos Mendoza described the clubhouse as 'too corporate' in 2025, lacking the 'fire and mental toughness' the team had in 2024. The Mets have overhauled the roster this offseason, bringing in new faces that Soto and Lindor believe will make the team better.

  • The Mets' 2026 spring training began in October 2025.
  • The Mets' disappointing 2025 season ended in the fall of 2025.

The players

Juan Soto

One of the faces of the Mets and MLB, known for his global popularity and endorsement deals with brands like UnderArmour and Celsius.

Francisco Lindor

The Mets' star shortstop and another prominent Latino player, who had his World Baseball Classic insurance paid for by musician Bad Bunny.

Carlos Mendoza

The Mets' manager, who described the 2025 clubhouse as 'too corporate' and lacking the 'fire and mental toughness' of the 2024 team.

David Stearns

The Mets' president of baseball operations, who decided to overhaul the roster after the 2025 season rather than run it back.

Kobe Bryant

The NBA legend who famously feuded with Shaquille O'Neal but still won three championships together with the Lakers.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's a great relationship. We talk all the time in the game and everything. We help each other.”

— Juan Soto (Yahoo Sports)

“We've always pulled for each other, we always wanted what's best for each other. Are we all best friends? That's not how he works in the clubhouse.”

— Francisco Lindor (Yahoo Sports)

“We feel like we have what it takes. They addressed the defense, they addressed the base running, they addressed the hitting, they addressed the pitching.”

— Francisco Lindor (Yahoo Sports)

“Have fun, forget about all the drama and everything, focus on the game. And win some ball games.”

— Juan Soto (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The Mets will look to put the disappointments of 2025 behind them and focus on building a winning culture in 2026, with Soto and Lindor leading the way.

The takeaway

Despite any perceived issues in the Mets' clubhouse last season, Soto and Lindor are committed to working together and leading the team to success in 2026. The Mets have overhauled the roster, and the two stars believe the team is better positioned to win this year.