Francisco Lindor on Mets signing Juan Soto: ‘He’s a fun guy, an electric player’

Francisco Lindor will have a new superstar hitting behind him in the lineup when the Mets begin the 2025 season in late March, and it’s no secret that he’s itching to share the spotlight with Juan Soto for years to come.

“[Soto] is a fun guy, number one, and an electric player. So that’s going to add to the vibes as well,” Lindor recently told MLB Network. “But also his professionalism — how he works, how he prepares, how he’s ready to compete, day in and day out. I think that’s going to go well with the organization, with the culture we’ve been trying to grow and establish.”

Soto, who officially signed his record-breaking contract with the Mets last week, will immediately make Lindor’s life easier in the batter’s box and provide a boost to those slotted below him in the order. The five-time Silver Slugger batted second in 156 games started for the Yankees in 2024, slashing a laudable .287/.419/.567 with a career-high 41 home runs and 109 RBI. With that eye-popping production, Soto finished third in AL MVP voting.

While it’s still unclear what the Mets’ complete lineup will look like on Opening Day — additional offseason moves are expected — there’s no doubting Lindor’s rightful spot atop the lineup. The NL MVP runner-up thrived as New York’s leadoff hitter this past season, slashing 273/.344/.500 with 33 home runs, 39 doubles, and 91 RBI in 152 games. Lindor sets the tone at the plate, and he should only see better pitches to hit while Soto looms in the on-deck circle.

The Mets are building their future around a formidable tandem, and Soto’s prowess as a patient No. 2 hitter will yield huge dividends. Since making his major league debut in 2018, he’s finished each season with an on-base percentage above .400. He’s also led the league in walks three times (2021-23), and posted an OPS below .900 just once in his career.