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Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto had 'issues' last year according to team owner Steve Cohen
Even when things were going well at the start of the 2025 season, New York Mets fans had speculated about a potentially icy relationship between franchise stars Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto. It turns out they were right.
Facing up the media amidst a disastrous 2026 season, which currently sees the New York Mets sit bottom of the National League East despite having the largest payroll in baseball, team owner Steve Cohen sat down for a lengthy interview and addressed numerous topics surrounding the embattled club.
New York Mets owner Steve Cohen confirmed that there were “issues” between Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto but they are “getting along much better”
One of the aspects of the team that Cohen provided insight to was the relationship between Soto and Lindor. While Cohen tried to downplay any disagreements between the two, he also confirmed their existence. He did not specify what the issue between the pair was or is, however.
“I don’t see them going anywhere, and frankly I think that’s a story that was last year’s story, and that actually am told and believe strongly that these guys are getting along much better,” Cohen said on The Show podcast.
“And so I just don’t see that as an issue anymore. 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.”
“I believe strongly that these guys are getting along much better. I just don’t see that as an issue anymore.”
Steve Cohen on Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor’s relationship in the Mets clubhouse.
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One of the many issues for the Mets this season has been the health of Lindor, who has appeared in just 30 of the Mets’ 87 games this season. And even when he has been healthy, he hasn’t been playing up to his usual MVP candidate level, as he has a .688 OPS, .216 batting average, 25 hits, four home runs and nine RBIs.
On the other hand, Soto — in spite of the Mets’ difficulties this season — has been the player they paid for when they signed him to a 15-year, $765 million deal last year, as he has a .956 OPS, .293 batting average, 71 hits, 17 home runs and 39 RBIs.