Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor dismissed reports of ongoing clubhouse problems within the New York Mets during spring training. Both players emphasized unity and a focus on winning as they addressed the team ahead of the 2026 season. Their comments come amid changes in the team's leadership and roster following a disappointing 2025 campaign.
In Port St. Lucie, Florida, on Sunday, New York Mets stars Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor sought to quell speculation about internal team discord. Lindor, who recently returned to camp after left hand surgery, stated, “We’ve always pulled for each other.” He elaborated that while not all teammates are best friends, they are “good teammates” who “care for each other” and “want the best for each other.”
Lindor highlighted the influx of new players committed to victory, noting, “We have a lot of new faces here, guys that seem like they’re going to work hard and they’re going to do whatever it takes to win. Ultimately, that’s what it comes down to -- it’s all about winning and everybody pulling in the same direction.”
Soto offered a more concise response, declaring any past issues “in the past” and urging the team to “focus on 2026.” He described his relationship with Lindor positively, saying, “I think it’s a great relationship. We talk all the time in the game and everything, and we help each other.” Soto expressed a desire to “have fun, forget about the drama and everything, focus on the game and win some ballgames.”
The narrative of clubhouse tensions traces back to the end of the 2025 season, when the Mets finished 83-79 and missed the playoffs on the final day. This followed a near-miss in the 2024 World Series. Manager Carlos Mendoza recently described the 2025 environment as “a corporate clubhouse,” where players “respected each other” and “got along,” though camaraderie was lacking.
Significant roster shifts have occurred, with Soto joining the team while Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, and Starling Marte departed. Lindor is viewed as the de facto captain, though Soto previously identified Marte in that role. Both Soto and Lindor are contracted through 2031, providing time to build their partnership.
Lindor reflected on personal growth, stating, “The way I feel is there’s always more I can do,” and committed to being “a better player, a better teammate” to help the Mets achieve their winning goals.
