Soto Embraces Mets' Offseason Changes, Looks to Rebound in 2026

Superstar outfielder discusses clubhouse dynamics, roster turnover, and move to left field

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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In his second season with the New York Mets, star outfielder Juan Soto is embracing the significant changes to the team's roster and clubhouse culture. After the Mets failed to make the playoffs in 2025, Soto is focused on having fun, forgetting the 'drama', and winning games in 2026. He expressed confidence in the team's new additions like Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco and Luis Robert Jr., and is open to moving from right field to left field. Soto believes the Mets have assembled a 'really good team' and is ready to lead them to success this season.

Why it matters

Soto's comments provide insight into the Mets' efforts to improve their clubhouse culture and roster after a disappointing 2025 season. As the team's highest-paid player and one of the game's elite talents, Soto's buy-in and leadership will be crucial to the Mets' chances of bouncing back in 2026.

The details

After reports of a 'corporate' clubhouse atmosphere in 2025, Soto says the team needs to 'have fun' and 'forget about all the drama' this season. He praised the Mets' offseason moves, including the additions of Bichette, Polanco and Robert, and expressed confidence in the team's new-look lineup. Soto is also embracing a position change, moving from right field to left field, which the team believes will benefit the overall roster.

  • The 2026 MLB season is set to begin in April 2026.

The players

Juan Soto

A superstar outfielder who signed a 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets prior to the 2025 season.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets.

Francisco Lindor

An All-Star shortstop and Soto's teammate on the New York Mets.

David Stearns

The President of Baseball Operations for the New York Mets.

Eduardo Brizuela

The Assistant General Manager for the New York Mets.

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What they’re saying

“Have fun. Forget about all the drama and everything. Focus on the game, and win some ballgames.”

— Juan Soto (nytimes.com)

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

— Juan Soto (nytimes.com)

“(President of baseball operations David Stearns and assistant general manager Eduardo Brizuela), they sat down and made great moves. Definitely, they tried hard on big names, big players. They missed, but they found a way to get a better team. We have a really good team. We have everything we need right now. When you see the roster, I think we are really complete.”

— Juan Soto (nytimes.com)

What’s next

The Mets will open their 2026 season in early April, with high expectations after their offseason roster overhaul. Soto's leadership and performance will be closely watched as the team looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign.

The takeaway

Soto's willingness to embrace the Mets' changes and focus on having fun and winning games in 2026 suggests the team has the right mindset to rebound from last season. If Soto can lead the new-look Mets roster to success, it would validate the team's offseason moves and provide a fresh start for the franchise.