The Exciting Partnership of Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor – Mets Have More to Accomplish
By signing Juan Soto to an unprecedented $765 million deal, the New York Mets have secured their star player, setting the stage for an exciting future.
But is that enough?
Not so quickly. While the Mets have significantly upgraded their roster and likely ensured a decade of top-tier output with the acquisition of 26-year-old Soto, winning a championship is still a challenge.
It’s important to note that simply spending money cannot guarantee championships, whether it’s a World Series title or a National League East banner waving over Citi Field.
The Mets have not claimed the division title since 2015 and have been able to do so only twice in the last 36 years. They are starting from a position of caution, even after translating a challenging 89-win season into a playoff run.
There’s still much work to be done in terms of building a solid foundation and establishing a sustainable strategy. With Soto’s signing, owner Steve Cohen has conveyed clear expectations to club president David Stearns: create a strong team while it’s taking shape.
Will the Mets become World Series champions? Probably, at some point in the future, perhaps around 2025. But for now, as Soto prepares for his debut on March 27 at Houston’s Daikin Park, the countdown begins: a potential 15-year presence in New York.
So, what can we expect from Soto, a four-time All-Star and past AL MVP runner-up? Let’s take a closer look:
Lindor’s Team
The Yankees had their eyes on Soto, where two-time MVP Aaron Judge quickly became acquainted with the remarkable slugger. It’s interesting how hitting right behind a premier left-handed hitter can foster strong camaraderie.
On the other hand, the Mets have their own star, Francisco Lindor, who finished as a near MVP. Although Soto is the standout for Cohen, Lindor has been pivotal, having been brought in from Cleveland and signed to a hefty $341 million deal.
And he has certainly lived up to the expectations.
After an adjustment period, Lindor has shown incredible productivity, achieving WAR seasons of 5.6, 6.0, and 6.9, alongside 30 home runs and earning Silver Slugger honors. Although young slugger Pete Alonso was already in Queens before Lindor, Alonso is now approaching free agency, which may affect his standing with the team now that Soto is here.
For the time being, this is certainly Lindor’s team. The dynamic between Lindor and Soto will be intriguing to watch. Both are celebrated athletes, each with four All-Star selections: Soto has a World Series title and five Silver Slugger awards, while Lindor holds four Silver Sluggers and a Platinum Glove, almost leading Cleveland to a championship in 1948.
These two players are fierce competitors who radiate charisma, making them an exciting duo at the top of the Mets lineup. Matching the energy of Judge and Soto across town won’t be easy; there’s a unique dynamic when you have lefty-righty sluggers back-to-back, combining for an impressive 99 home runs.
The Lindor-Soto combination will bring its own flair, and if health is on their side, it promises to be spectacular.
Potential for Stardom
The Mets, who finished with 89 wins last season, were a mix of unpredictable fun and quirky moments, featuring a singing second baseman and pitchers paying tribute with eye black.
However, the most notable highlight of the season was the emergence of Mark Vientos.
After some guidance from Jose Iglesias in the minors, Vientos, who turns 25 on Wednesday, returned to the big leagues in June and became a steady contributor, enhancing his defense at third base and belting 27 home runs in 111 games.
During the playoffs, he thrived against the Philadelphia Phillies with nine hits in 16 at-bats, including two doubles and two home runs. He then turned up the heat against the eventual champion Dodgers, launching three home runs, one being a grand slam, concluding their series in six games, one game longer than the Yankees managed in the World Series.
Soto’s arrival seems to be a tremendous boost for him.
Having debuted in 2022, Vientos faced challenges but is set to join the team with less pressure, allowing him to develop naturally – especially with the chance to bat before or after the renowned Soto.
That’s quite a favorable situation for the young player.
Projected Mets Lineup
Manager Carlos Mendoza has numerous options as the team’s future remains uncertain, particularly regarding Alonso’s fate. With the offseason just beginning, here’s a potential lineup:
- Francisco Lindor, SS
- Juan Soto, RF
- Mark Vientos, 1B
- Brandon Nimmo, LF
- Starling Marte, DH
- Jeff McNeil, 2B
- Tyrone Taylor, CF
- Francisco Alvarez, C
- Brett Baty, 3B
Plenty can change as the offseason progresses. A reunion with Iglesias seems plausible, and there might be opportunities for Luisangel Acuña, who filled in ably for Lindor in September. Additionally, Jose Siri could enter the outfield conversation.
The top part of the lineup is exceptional. However, issues related to health and performance emerge not long after, and Stearns will need to significantly strengthen the team’s depth as winter approaches.
By the way, acquiring Alonso would be a great addition. What do you think, Steve?
A Lasting Powerhouse
The interaction between Stearns and Cohen has always been intriguing, considering the new leader of baseball operations earned his reputation in Milwaukee, managing a tight budget. The question was how the efficient baseball professional would mesh with the billionaire owner.
So far, it’s going well.
Many doubted Stearns could persuade Cohen that an investment in Soto would be “unsustainable” — ultimately, that’s a call for ownership.
However, Stearns’ approach is becoming clearer.
For the second consecutive championship, he is taking a plug-and-play approach to building a starting rotation, avoiding major expenditures and focusing on players with potential. This strategy proved to be highly successful last season with Sean Manaea, Jose Quintana, and Luis Severino, all of whom benefited financially from their performances in Queens.
This year’s theme continues: Frankie Montas has been signed to a two-year contract, and Yankees reliever Clay Holmes aims to follow in Seth Lugo’s footsteps. There’s hope for a healthy resurgence from Kodai Senga.
While Cohen may still have a major free-agent pitcher up his sleeve, the competition in that market will be fierce. Still, pivoting toward a Brewers-style approach on the mound while investing in the lineup and bullpen makes a lot of sense.
There’s plenty of work ahead in all areas. Additionally, the consistently average Mets player development system needs a major overhaul, which will be difficult with draft picks diminished due to free-agent acquisitions and the team’s success leading to lower draft order.
It takes time. For the moment, the core of an 89-win team has just welcomed a Hall of Fame caliber player in his prime. Juan Soto, welcome to the Mets. It seems you might just fit in perfectly.
