Former All-Star Keith Hernandez says Francisco Lindor has no issues with Juan Soto regarding a leadership role with the New York Mets after Soto joined the team on a 15-year, $765 million contract. he said. The former Mets first baseman feels Lindor would rather welcome the addition of an experienced superstar like Soto. Because it only enhances their shared ambition to become MLB champions.
Hernandez spent seven seasons with the New York Mets, and was a member of the team that won the franchise’s last World Series in 1986. He served as a color commentator on New York Mets television broadcasts for many years.
This weekend, Hernandez did a video interview on the podcast “Nothing Personal with David Samson.” He offered his predictions for how Lindor will view his role as the leader of the Mets’ clubhouse following the addition of Soto in a record-breaking deal.
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“When they start the first day of spring training, it’s about going to the World Series and being world champions,” he said (40:05). “That’s the most important factor.”
“This Mets team is very close,” he continued. “Lindall — that’s his team. There’s no question about it. Soto’s just going to be a guy. A veteran that they respect and a player that they can share. I think it’s going to be a seamless adjustment, and I think it is. “It’s absolutely fine. ”
Francisco Lindor inspired the Mets after a tough start to the 2024 season and clinched a playoff spot on the final day of the season. They came close to winning the National League pennant, but ultimately lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the championship series.
A common goal creates a strong bond between Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto
Keith Hernandez believes Francisco Lindor will develop a strong relationship with Juan Soto, who will join the New York Mets’ clubhouse next year. The Mets legend said the two superstars will mesh well because they have the same ambition to win the World Series.
To illustrate the situation, Hernandez recalled his playing days when he signed Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter from the Montreal Expos.
“That was the missing cog needed to get the team back to where it was in the ’80s and ultimately win a world championship,” he said. “The press was all buzzing about whether Carter and Hernandez were going to work out. I was overjoyed.”
“The press is going to ask the same question: ‘Are we two going to get along? Two superstars with egos or something. Are they going to clash?’ I don’t think so. “This will never happen,” he added. “We’re here for one reason.”
Francisco Lindor joined the Mets just before the 2021 season and later signed a 10-year, $341 million extension with the team. He batted .273/.344/.500 with 33 home runs, 91 RBIs, and 29 stolen bases during the regular season, finishing second in the National League MVP race behind Shohei Ohtani.
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Edited by Preeta Ghosh
