Mets' Carlos Mendoza again addresses Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor relationship

In December, New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza suggested that rumors claiming the team dealt with clubhouse issues during its collapse last summer were inaccurate. 

Perhaps most notably, Mike Puma of the New York Post reported in late November that relations between star shortstop Francisco Lindor and outfielder Juan Soto "were chilly following the latter’s arrival on a record $765M contract." Later, New York sports radio legend Mike Francesa said he had heard that "Lindor and Soto got off on the wrong foot when Lindor did not call [Soto] and welcome him to the team" in December 2024. 

During the latest edition of "The Show" podcast, Mendoza spoke with MLB insiders Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman about the Amazins' chemistry heading into spring training. 

Carlos Mendoza expands on how Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor differ from each other

"It’s two very different guys," Mendoza said about Lindor and Soto, according to Puma. "Soto is very businesslike. He’s a guy that comes in, he’s going through his process. Lindor is more outgoing, like what you see on the field — the big smile. And that guy, whether we win or lose, is going to be the same guy. He cares."

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns seemed to say plenty about the team's chemistry when he dismantled the core of the club's roster this offseason. Gone are star closer Edwin Diaz, first baseman Pete Alonso, outfielder Brandon Nimmo and utility man Jeff McNeil. Stearns accounted for such departures by acquiring relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver, new third baseman Bo Bichette, new first baseman Jorge Polanco, second baseman Marcus Semien, centerfielder Luis Robert Jr. and ace right-hander Freddy Peralta.

Mendoza would probably like both Lindor and Soto to offer those fresh faces warm welcomes when players report for spring training next month. 

Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor care about each other and about winning

"Obviously, they both care," Mendoza added. "And I feel like, because of who they are individually, it’s a relationship that they care about winning. They care about each other. They care about their teammates. But they’re two different personalities."

Outsiders may never fully know what exactly went wrong for the Mets behind the scenes during the final three-and-a-half months of the 2025 season. What's done is done, and the combination of Lindor and Soto will now be tasked with leading the Mets' new core into the upcoming campaign.