New York Mets stars Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor have stated that any past issues between them have been resolved and their relationship is strengthening.
Reports surfaced last season suggesting a chilly dynamic between the two, which Mets owner Steve Cohen confirmed earlier this week, characterizing it as a past problem.
"There were no issues last year — at all," Soto told The Athletic on Friday. "We didn’t have any beef or anything. Definitely, our relationship is getting better because it takes time. When you meet a girl, you don’t start kissing her right away."
Lindor echoed Soto's sentiment, emphasizing that their bond is continuing to grow. "I have nothing but respect for him. He’s my brother," Lindor said. "He’s somebody I respected from a distance and respect here, inside."
While reports indicated that former interim manager Carlos Mendoza worked to improve their relationship before his firing, and that the players had "hard conversations," both Soto and Lindor downplayed the intensity of these discussions.
Soto joined the Mets on a 15-year, $765 million contract before last season. He finished 2025 with 43 home runs, a league-leading 127 walks, and a .921 OPS, finishing third in the National League MVP race. Despite Soto's performance and Lindor's third 30-homer, 30-stolen base season, the Mets faltered after a strong start, missing the playoffs.
As of Friday, the Mets held a 36-52 record for the current season. Andy Green, who took over as interim skipper on June 26, has a 2-6 record.
Cohen expressed confidence that any frostiness between Soto and Lindor is in the past. "Frankly, I think that’s a story that was last year’s story," Cohen told The Post. "I am told and believe strongly that these guys are getting along much better. And so, I just don’t see that as an issue anymore."
Given the long-term contracts of both players—Lindor through 2031 and Soto through 2039—Cohen believes they will remain key figures in Queens. "I don’t see them going anywhere," Cohen said. "I’m lucky enough to have two high-quality players like that and with the elimination of whatever issues there were last year, I’m thrilled that they’re on the team."