Key Takeaways
- • Mets owner Steve Cohen publicly acknowledged interpersonal tensions between star players Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor during the 2025 season, confirming earlier reporting of a "chilly" relationship between the two high-profile acquisitions.
- • Cohen characterized the conflict as resolved, stating the relationship between Soto and Lindor has improved significantly and is now "much better," indicating the organization has addressed clubhouse dynamics ahead of the 2026 season.
- • Cohen dismissed the narrative as a historical issue, remarking "that's a story that was last year's story" while expressing satisfaction with both players remaining on the roster despite the documented friction.
- • The confirmation validates reporting from November by New York Post baseball reporter Mike Puma, who first detailed the strained dynamic between the two premium position players following their inaugural season together in Queens.
Summary
New York Mets owner Steve Cohen has publicly confirmed that Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto experienced interpersonal friction during the 2025 season, marking the first direct acknowledgment from ownership of tensions previously reported in the sports media. During an appearance on the New York Post Sports' "The Show" podcast with sports journalists Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman, Cohen addressed the relationship between the two star players—significant investments acquired to drive the franchise's competitive window.
Cohen characterized the situation as substantially improved, stating that Lindor and Soto maintain a "professional working relationship," with both players motivated toward the common objective of winning. He described the current dynamic as "much better" than it had been, and indicated he was "thrilled" both players remained part of the organization moving forward. The owner's framing suggested internal resolution of whatever issues had emerged during their first season in tandem.
The confirmation aligns with reporting from November by Mike Puma of the New York Post, which had characterized the relationship between Soto and Lindor as "chilly" following the 2025 campaign. Cohen's public acknowledgment effectively closed speculation about the depth and ongoing nature of the conflict, positioning it as a resolved matter of organizational history rather than an active concern. By noting the storyline belonged to "last year," Cohen attempted to move past the narrative while affirming confidence in both players' commitment to the franchise.
The disclosure also addressed broader clubhouse stability concerns heading into the 2026 season, with Cohen's comments suggesting the front office has taken steps to facilitate improved dynamics between the two position players. The public nature of his remarks—delivered via podcast platform—underscores the organization's apparent confidence that any residual tensions have been adequately addressed and will not impede competitive performance.
Cohen characterized the situation as substantially improved, stating that Lindor and Soto maintain a "professional working relationship," with both players motivated toward the common objective of winning. He described the current dynamic as "much better" than it had been, and indicated he was "thrilled" both players remained part of the organization moving forward. The owner's framing suggested internal resolution of whatever issues had emerged during their first season in tandem.
The confirmation aligns with reporting from November by Mike Puma of the New York Post, which had characterized the relationship between Soto and Lindor as "chilly" following the 2025 campaign. Cohen's public acknowledgment effectively closed speculation about the depth and ongoing nature of the conflict, positioning it as a resolved matter of organizational history rather than an active concern. By noting the storyline belonged to "last year," Cohen attempted to move past the narrative while affirming confidence in both players' commitment to the franchise.
The disclosure also addressed broader clubhouse stability concerns heading into the 2026 season, with Cohen's comments suggesting the front office has taken steps to facilitate improved dynamics between the two position players. The public nature of his remarks—delivered via podcast platform—underscores the organization's apparent confidence that any residual tensions have been adequately addressed and will not impede competitive performance.
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