PORT ST. LUCIE, Florida.– At the start of spring training, Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor were clear when referring to rumors about alleged internal tensions in the New York Mets: the focus is exclusively on the 2026 season.
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Lindor, who returned to training after surgery on his left hand, assured that within the team there has always been respect and mutual support. The shortstop highlighted that, although not everyone in a clubhouse are “best friends”, there is camaraderie, communication and a common goal: to win. “We always want the best for the other. The important thing is that we go in the same direction,” expressed the Puerto Rican, also underlining the renewed energy that the new additions bring to the squad. For his part, Soto was more direct when referring to any controversy from the past. The Dominican outfielder made it clear that what happened in 2025 was left behind and that the group is focused on writing a new story this year. During the winter, manager Carlos Mendoza described the team’s atmosphere in 2025 as “corporate,” although he clarified that there was always respect among the players. After a season in which the Mets finished with a record of 83-79 and were left out of the postseason on the last day, the organization has experienced significant changes in its leadership core. With contracts in place until 2031, both Soto and Lindor are expected to be pillars of the medium-term project. Lindor acknowledged that he takes responsibility for raising his level and that of the group. “The goal is to win. We haven’t achieved it here, so it’s about being better every day,” he stated.
