Latest Juan Soto-Francisco Lindor Interaction Hints at Mets Internal Tension Fueling “Unhappy” Narrative

It seems like nothing is right between the Mets and Juan Soto. While Mets fans have been voicing concern over Soto’s recent slump at the plate, it’s his body language that’s truly raising eyebrows. What once appeared to be a minor dip in performance is now being magnified by a series of subtle, yet telling, gestures on the field. And more alarmingly, in the dugout.

Well, if body language speaks louder than words, then the message is clear. Something isn’t quite right. A recent incident in the Mets’ dugout only deepened the unease, sparking fresh debate over whether all is truly well between Soto and the team.

“You are not the same, Juan Soto.”

You are not the same, #JuanSoto. Whatever challenge you are facing, remember that you have a country, the Dominican Republic, that supports you. Every day, we send those positive vibes, hoping to see your game shine again.

Honestly, I'm not worried about your hitting. We know… pic.twitter.com/8OTJQwiORc

— Mike Rodriguez (@mikedeportes) May 22, 2025

So, what made the MLB insider Mike Rodriguez react like this?

Well, during the Mets’ recent matchup against the Red Sox, a moment in the dugout caught the eyes of fans and analysts alike. Obviously not for the right reasons. It started after Francisco Lindor launched a home run. He returned to the dugout to a wave of fist bumps and cheers from teammates. Everyone except, notably, Juan Soto!

Soto did raise his hand in what looked like a lukewarm gesture of acknowledgment. You will not find the energy that fans have come to expect from the typically animated star was missing. Instead, his body language told a different story. Head down, detached, almost distant. So, for a player known for his charisma and clubhouse presence, the moment felt jarring.

The brief clip quickly made its rounds on social media, prompting speculation. Was this just a fleeting moment of frustration? Or is there something deeper brewing between Soto and Lindor? Or perhaps with the Mets organization as a whole?

Now, if the dugout moment raised eyebrows, Soto’s performance at the plate only added fuel to the fire. His latest duel with Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet was anything but competitive. It’s stirring even more concern among Mets faithful.

For the unversed, in his first at-bat, Soto went down on three straight pitches without lifting the bat off his shoulder. Yes, if you have missed the show, there’s no swing, no fight, just a quiet walk back to the dugout!

Hence, whatever the reason, the optics aren’t great. For a team fighting to stay afloat in a competitive division, the last thing the Mets need is uncertainty surrounding one of their biggest stars.

Lindor might be the best way out for Soto

Yes, the man with whom Soto just showed his cold arm might be the perfect choice for a way out.

Currently, Juan Soto is hitting just .243, with 8 HRs and 21 RBIs. Now, these numbers certainly fall short of what fans expect from the 26-year-old superstar. But it’s important to remember that Soto is not the first player to face growing pains after joining a new team. Moreover, he’s not even the first Met to endure this kind of adjustment period.

For starters, Lindor experienced similar struggles when he first donned the orange and blue. His debut season with the Mets was rocky, marked by underwhelming performance and vocal disapproval from fans.

Furthermore, in 2021, Lindor hit only .230 with 63 RBIs, which was a far cry from the production he was known for in Cleveland. He was even met with boos from the Citi Field crowd when he didn’t meet expectations. Similar to what Soto is currently going through.

But Lindor turned things around. Fast forward to 2025, and he’s being touted as the potential team captain. A testament to the leadership and consistency he’s shown in recent seasons. Hence, there’s every reason to believe that Soto can do the same. If you know Soto’s track record, you know it speaks for itself.

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