Francisco Lindor Helping Recruit Juan Soto to the Mets Due To Their Commitment and
New York, NY — As the New York Mets look to retool and compete for a postseason spot in 2025, they may have a new, star-studded target on their radar: Juan Soto. And according to sources, one key player has been actively involved in the recruitment process — shortstop Francisco Lindor.
Lindor, who has been a pillar of the Mets’ infield since his trade to New York in 2021, is reportedly working behind the scenes to bring his fellow Puerto Rican and close friend, Soto, to the Mets. With the outfielder’s name swirling in trade rumors ahead of the 2024 offseason, the possibility of a move to Queens has fans excited, and Lindor’s involvement could be a major factor in making it happen.
Lindor and Soto: A Bond That Goes Beyond Baseball
The friendship between Lindor and Soto dates back to their shared experiences with the Puerto Rican national team. The two have bonded over their cultural roots, love of the game, and shared desire to compete at the highest level. They’ve faced off in various international tournaments and have shared the dugout in exhibitions, building a mutual respect for one another.
In interviews and behind closed doors, Lindor has been vocal about his admiration for Soto’s game. “He’s one of the best hitters in the game, hands down,” Lindor has said about Soto in past interviews. “What he does with the bat, how he approaches hitting — it’s special.”
Now, as Soto is entering the final years of his contract with the San Diego Padres, the speculation about his future has reached a fever pitch. With the Padres underperforming in 2024, a potential rebuild could be in the cards, making Soto available via trade or in free agency in 2025.
Soto’s Pending Free Agency: A Perfect Fit for the Mets
Soto, one of the most dynamic hitters in Major League Baseball, is a natural centerpiece for any franchise looking to build a championship-caliber roster. The 25-year-old left fielder is a two-time All-Star, a Silver Slugger award winner, and a World Series champion with the Washington Nationals. His combination of power, plate discipline, and ability to get on base has made him one of the most coveted players in the game.
The Mets, who are in the midst of an organizational reset after a disappointing 2024 campaign, are aggressively seeking to bolster their roster for the 2025 season. New owner Steve Cohen has shown a willingness to spend big to bring in talent, and after trading away several high-profile veterans, the Mets are in need of a game-changing bat to anchor their lineup.
Soto, whose contract with San Diego runs through 2024 before hitting free agency, is widely expected to be one of the top targets for the Mets in the upcoming offseason. Adding him would give the Mets one of the most potent offensive forces in the league, complementing Lindor’s leadership and power at shortstop.
Lindor’s Recruitment Efforts: “Come to New York”
Multiple reports have suggested that Lindor has been doing his part to make the pitch to Soto, talking up the benefits of joining the Mets. While both players are deeply loyal to their roots in Puerto Rico, Lindor has emphasized how much Soto would thrive in New York, both in terms of his career and his personal life.
“New York is a special place to play,” Lindor said in an interview earlier this season. “The fans, the atmosphere — it’s like nowhere else. But beyond that, this is a team that is going to be competing for championships for years to come. Juan knows that, and I know he wants to be in a place where he can win.”
Lindor’s close friendship with Soto could be a key asset in making the transition to the Mets more appealing. He’s also likely spoken with Soto about the opportunity to play alongside other talented stars, including reigning NL Rookie of the Year Brett Baty and rising pitcher Kodai Senga. With the Mets’ deep pockets and a roster that’s expected to reload in 2025, Lindor’s pitch could be powerful.
“Juan and I have talked about playing together, and I think he knows this could be a good fit for him,” Lindor said recently. “He’s a superstar, and he belongs on a big stage. New York is as big as it gets.”
The Mets’ Long-Term Vision: Building Around Young Talent
The Mets’ efforts to land Soto go beyond just adding a superstar to their lineup. Lindor and the front office see the addition of someone like Soto as a piece in a larger puzzle — one that could help them return to prominence in the National League East.
After a season of rebuilding and reshuffling, the Mets are poised to make a run at contention in 2025. The front office has already committed to building a competitive roster around Lindor, and Soto would be a centerpiece of that vision.
In addition to Lindor, the Mets have a solid core of young players coming up, including Baty, Francisco Álvarez, and top pitching prospects like Thomas Szapucki and Mike Vasil. With the addition of Soto, the Mets would have an immediate boost in the middle of their lineup and a long-term solution to anchor their offense for the next several years.
While the specifics of a potential deal for Soto remain unclear, Lindor’s involvement in the recruitment process could play a critical role in convincing the star outfielder that New York is the place for him. The Mets have the financial flexibility to make a competitive offer, and with Lindor making the pitch, the allure of playing with his close friend in one of the most storied franchises in baseball could prove too tempting to resist.
The Future of the Mets: A Potential Dynamic Duo
Should the Mets succeed in landing Soto, the pairing of Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto would immediately form one of the most exciting duos in baseball. Both players are at the peak of their careers and bring complementary skills — Lindor’s all-around play, leadership, and power combined with Soto’s elite hitting ability and eye for the strike zone — would give the Mets a dynamic offensive force that could rival any in the league.
Lindor and Soto are more than just teammates in the making; they are two of the brightest stars in baseball today, and their friendship and chemistry on the field could be the key to turning the Mets’ fortunes around in the coming seasons.
For now, fans in New York will have to wait and see if Lindor’s efforts can bring Soto to Queens. But one thing is certain — if the Mets can land their star outfielder, it will be the beginning of a new era of excitement and expectation in Flushing.
