For years, Francisco Lindor has been a fixture in the New York Mets’ clubhouse, both for his on-field performance and for his charisma and leadership.
He is a role model not only for the fans, but also for his teammates, as Edwin Diaz confirmed, who had pointed him out as the “captain” of the team.
However, the outlook seems to have changed slightly with recent statements by Juan Soto, who highlighted another player as the true leader of the Mets.
Soto, in an interview with The New York Post, praised Starling Marte, whom he described as “the real captain” of the team.
Juan Soto praises Starling Marte
For the Dominican, Marte not only provides constant energy, but is also a reference point for all his teammates. “He is the role model of the team, everyone goes to him when they want to talk or know something,” said Soto.
Since his arrival at the Mets, Juan Soto did not have the expected start after his time with the Yankees. It was Starling Marte, another Dominican veteran, who played an essential role in helping him adapt to the new environment.
This closeness between the two players has been evident both on and off the field, consolidating a relationship of trust and mutual respect.
Starling Marte, who signed a $78 million contract with the franchise, has stood out not only for his experience, but also for his recent achievements on the field.
Recently, he became the first player since Luis Robert to record a home run, an assist from the outfield and at least two stolen bases in the same game. At 36 years of age, he is the second oldest player to accomplish this feat in the last 50 years, behind Tony Gwynn
Is there tension between Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto?
In the midst of these statements, some rumors pointed to possible tension between Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor, especially after the Dominican’s slow start with his new team.
However, media outlets such as Mike Deportes have clarified that there is no conflict between the two, and that they maintain a close friendship, strengthened by their Caribbean roots: Lindor is Puerto Rican and Soto Dominican.
Soto has even publicly expressed his admiration for Lindor in the past, underlining his commitment to the team.
The recent preference for Marte as a leader seems to be more a matter of affinity and shared experience than a sign of internal division in the New York Mets locker room.
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