Mets' Juan Soto makes comparison about kissing girls to explain rumored strain with Francisco Lindor

Mets stars Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor addressed renewed questions about a rumored strain after Lindor joined New York in 2021 and later signed a 10-year, $341 million extension, while Soto arrived on a record 15-year, $765 million contract. The reports surfaced around last season, including suggestions that tension lingered into the current year. During comments tied to the situation, team owner Steve Cohen said he believed the issue was a “last year’s story” and that the players were getting along better. Soto and Lindor were questioned following that discussion on a Friday night, and Soto responded with a comparison about not kissing a girl immediately after meeting her. Both players said there were no issues, and Lindor added that their relationship has grown as teammates for two years. Lindor acknowledged frequent daily communication, though it was also reported they have had “hard conversations,” a characterization Lindor downplayed. The pair are slated to remain teammates through 2032.