New York Mets owner Steve Cohen addressed the relationship between superstars Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor during an appearance on "The Show" podcast, confirming that past tension between the two players has subsided.
The statement comes amid ongoing speculation regarding locker room chemistry and trade rumors ahead of the August 3 deadline, following reports from The Athletic and the New York Post about a personality clash during the 2025 season.
The franchise has committed over $1 billion to the duo, with Soto signing a 15-year, $765 million contract ahead of 2025 and Lindor playing under a 10-year, $341 million extension signed in 2021.
Cohen: Relationship Has Improved
"Frankly, I think that's a story that was last year's issue," stated Cohen.
The team owner emphasized that internal dynamics have shifted positively inside the clubhouse despite the team's recent 2-10 stretch and the firing of manager Carlos Mendoza.
"Actually, I'm told and believe strongly that these guys are getting along much better," Cohen told podcast hosts Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman.
Cohen expressed confidence in keeping both players on the roster moving forward.
"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," Cohen concluded.
Players Deny Friction
Both players publicly pushed back against the narrative of ongoing friction.
Soto addressed the situation on Friday following a limited 15-game stretch together this season due to Lindor's calf injury.
"There were no issues last year — at all," said Soto.
The outfielder explained that building a strong connection with a new teammate is a gradual process that develops over multiple seasons.
"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," Soto told The Athletic.
Soto noted that a unified leadership group is vital for team success. "That's kind of like the core of the team.
When you have the whole group together, it goes a long way. It's not only two guys.
It has to be the whole group that comes together. That's one of the biggest things for a team," he added.
Lindor echoed those sentiments, characterizing their bond as a standard connection between teammates who share long-term commitments.
"The more time we spend together, it's only natural that our relationship continues to grow. We've been teammates for two years now.
Time has been on our side. I have nothing but respect for him.
He's my brother," said Lindor.
Lindor dismissed the idea that recent discussions between the two stars were unusually difficult. "Hard conversations happen every day.
They happen every day; it's just we talk about different things. But I didn't think it was a hard conversation.
It was just, we talked. We talk every single day, whether it's hitting or different topics.
But we definitely talk because at the end of the day, we are teammates and our job is to win games," Lindor explained.
The shortstop noted that their shared long-term contracts ensure they will continue working together. "I just feel like our relationship has continued to grow over the years.
We've been together for two years now. So there's no reason to say why it didn't get off on the right foot or anything.
It's just a relationship. A normal relationship," Lindor added.
Lindor concluded with optimism about their future as core franchise players. "We have the two long-term contracts here.
We're going to get to know each other a lot more. I am looking forward to the future and continuing to grow with him," he stated.
Media reports from SNY analyst Chelsea Janes suggested that Lindor's contract could theoretically be traded more easily than Soto's deal if management decided to overhaul the roster, though Cohen ruled out moving either star.
"If the Mets decide they need to recalibrate the heart of the roster – whether due to clubhouse dynamics or multiple years of on-field malaise -- the last five-and-a-half years of Lindor's $341M contract are still easier to shop than the billions and eons remaining on Soto's," Janes wrote.
Janes questioned whether an opposing front office might view acquiring Lindor as a superior alternative to the upcoming free-agent market.
"Could a team in need of a long-term middle infield solution and a middle-of-the-order bat decide Lindor is better than what will be available to them in the free-agent market?
Or that cost certainty on a player of his caliber is an asset heading into the lockout? That does not seem impossible," Janes noted.
Janes concluded that parting with Lindor remains difficult to foresee given his commitment to New York.
"Lindor is an extremely valuable hitter at his position who has committed himself to New York and proven himself capable of handling ups and downs here.
It is not easy to envision the kind of deal that would inspire Cohen to part with him, let alone to shop him while planning to win again in 2027," Janes added.
