By late May 2025, Juan Soto’s transition to the New York Mets had taken a challenging turn. Despite signing a historic 15-year, $765 million contract in December 2024, Soto’s performance at the plate was underwhelming. His batting average had dipped to .224, and he was enduring a 0-for-17 slump, including an 0-for-12 performance with three strikeouts against the Chicago White Sox. These struggles were compounded by a .745 OPS, the lowest of his career, and a .427 OPS over his last 15 games. The pressure of his record-setting contract and the expectations that came with it were palpable. 

Amidst this downturn, Soto displayed a rare vulnerability. After breaking his hitless streak with a crucial RBI double against the Colorado Rockies, he candidly acknowledged his struggles: “I know I’ve been struggling, and I haven’t been there for them, but I will be. It’s a matter of time, we don’t know when it’s gonna come through, but I’m going to keep working”. This admission highlighted the weight of expectations he felt and his commitment to overcoming his slump.

The scrutiny intensified as fans and media questioned whether Soto’s performance justified his contract. Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns noted that Soto was “probably trying to do too much” and might be pressing in high-leverage situations. Despite these challenges, the Mets organization maintained confidence in Soto’s abilities, attributing part of his struggles to bad luck, as evidenced by his .239 BABIP, significantly below his career average. As criticism swirled, it was Francisco Lindor, no stranger to the highs and lows of New York baseball, didn’t hesitate to speak up in support of Soto. 

According to him, Soto needs support right now, without a doubt. Lindor told NJ Advance Media, “I honestly see the same guy from spring training till today. Yeah, there were maybe more laughs in between innings and stuff, but I think it was because games didn’t really matter. Now he’s locked into his routine..…”

He even encouraged the fans to come out and give Soto the love that they had shown for him when he was in a slump. “Continue to give him love; he deserves it,” said Lindor to New York Mets fans.

It’s not just Lindor extending his support; even teammates like utility player Luisangel Acuna echo the same feeling. He refers to Soto as a brother and said, “He helps me a lot, especially with hitting… He helps me a lot and has been an important addition to the team.”

So maybe this settles the case of Juan Soto not adjusting in the clubhouse well. And also calms the rumors about how Lindor and Soto don’t have a strong bond. The fist bump fiasco did go viral! However, now definitely all eyes will be on Juan Soto, and hopefully it won’t just be a comeback but a statement.

For now, though—in Mets town—it’s all Lindor galore!

Francisco Lindor isn’t just hitting—he’s making history

Certain players just don’t fill in a spot in the lineup but set the tone for the entire clubhouse. Francisco Lindor is one of those rare leaders whose influence goes far beyond the stats. Did you know he checks in on his teammates after every series? He makes sure that everyone is mentally locked in. He is not the Mets’ captain officially, but he is a leader, and this leadership was on full display on Friday night.

Lindor led off the bottom of the first with a solo home run, setting the tone quite early against the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies made it close, closing the gap to 3-2 in the seventh. But Lindor was far from done—he sent another solo shot in the eighth, sealing a win with 4-2. And this was not just another win, but a historic one.

Sarah Langs of MLB.com mentioned that the Mets have now won 25 consecutive regular-season games when Lindor hits a home run. It’s tying the second-longest such streak since 1900. This puts him in the league of Lou Gehrig and Ken Caminiti, with just Carl Furillo’s 29-game streak ahead of him.

You have to give it to manager Carlos Mendoza, whose decision to move Lindor to the leadoff spot is paying off big time.

The Mets have won five of their last six games and are holding a 35-22 record. Now the question is, will Lindor get help from Juan Soto soon? And whether Lindor can keep this streak and roll into October.