When Juan Soto decided to sign the biggest contract in sports history, it sent shockwaves through Major League Baseball, particularly in the Bronx. The New York Yankees had been eager to land the star outfielder, but it was their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets, who ultimately secured Soto’s services.
To add to the excitement, Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor recently dropped a three-word statement that’s got fans and media buzzing.
Darryl Strawberry Believes Juan Soto Made the Right Call
Former Mets and Yankees star Darryl Strawberry fully supports Juan Soto’s decision to join the Mets. Strawberry commented that Soto wouldn’t be overshadowed by big personalities like Aaron Judge, allowing him to stand out more.
He believes that Soto’s presence will elevate the team, helping them reach new heights alongside established stars like Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso. Drawing from his own experiences with the Mets’ legendary lineup in the mid-80s, Strawberry hinted that this current Mets roster, with Soto, could achieve greatness.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone reflected on the situation in a recent interview, saying, “I acknowledge it’s December, and obviously, losing out on Juan was tough. He was someone we wanted to bring back, but there are other ways to get it done.”
Yankees GM Brian Cashman echoed similar sentiments, stating, “We had a great run in 2024, but 2025 will be different. We’ve made trades and lost some high-end players.”
Sal Licata Calls Francisco Lindor the Biggest Star in New York After His NLDS Grand Slam
When WFAN co-host Sal Licata discussed the Mets’ success over the Yankees last season and the impact of Soto’s arrival, Lindor had a blunt three-word response: “Nobody really cares.”
Francisco Lindor wouldn’t take the bait from @sal_licata when it came to the Yankees 😂 pic.twitter.com/JPK6gAtDFK
— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) March 11, 2025
Lindor’s statement wasn’t meant as a jab at the Yankees but rather a focus on the bigger picture. He elaborated by saying, “At the end of the day, we’ve got to go out there and get it done this year.”
Meanwhile, fans on social media had their own opinions. One user commented, “Godawful questions. The Mets aren’t and shouldn’t be worried about the Yankees. They faced the Braves and Phillies 26 times.”
Another user praised Lindor’s response, saying, “Respect. Lindor answered everything perfectly. I feel Lindor may benefit the most with Soto in the lineup. Wishing them all the best this season.”
In 2024, Lindor showcased his talents with 33 home runs, 29 stolen bases, and a .273 batting average.
His leadership was instrumental in the Mets’ run to the National League Championship Series, punctuated by a clutch grand slam in Game 4 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies. Lindor joined the Mets in 2021 and later inked a 10-year, $341 million contract extension.
The Yankees’ 2025 Troubles
The Yankees’ woes didn’t end with missing out on Soto. Just weeks later, their ace pitcher, Gerrit Cole, was sidelined with a serious elbow injury, keeping him out for the entirety of the 2025 season.
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