Behind the scenes of the 2023 New York baseball landscape, there was a tale of two superstars and two very different welcomes.
On his podcast this weeklegendary New York sports voice Mike Francesa pulled back the curtain on the contrasting relationships Juan Soto developed with the franchise faces of the Mets and the Yankees when he arrived in the Big Apple.
According to Francesa’s reporting, the difference couldn’t have been more stark – and it all started with a phone call that never happened.
“My understanding is that … Lindor and Soto were never buddy-buddy,” Francesa revealed on his latest podcast episode. “It was never Soto and Judge. Soto loved Judge. Judge went out of his way to treat Soto very well in every way. He was a wonderful teammate. Soto loved Judge.”
The Yankees captain, Aaron Judge, known for his leadership qualities, immediately embraced Soto and made him feel welcome. Meanwhile, across town, things reportedly got off on the wrong foot between Soto and the Mets’ $341 million shortstop, Francisco Lindor.
“My understanding is Lindor and Soto got off on the wrong foot when Lindor did not call him and welcome him to the team,” Francesa continued. “But it was never that they couldn’t play together or anything major.”
This revelation offers fascinating insight into the importance of leadership and small gestures in building team chemistry. Judge, despite being in the middle of his own massive contract negotiations, took time to make Soto feel valued and welcomed.
The results were evident – Soto and Judge developed an immediate rapport that translated to on-field success.
For the Mets, while Francesa makes clear there was no major rift that prevented them from functioning as teammates, the absence of that initial welcome set a different tone.
As team captain and the face of the franchise, Lindor’s failure to reach out represents a missed opportunity to establish the kind of cohesive clubhouse culture that championship teams often possess.
The contrast becomes even more interesting when considering how differently each team performed. While the Yankees thrived with Soto and Judge forming a dynamic duo, the Mets struggled to find consistent success despite their star-studded roster.
Leadership in baseball comes in many forms. Some lead by example through their play, others through their words in the clubhouse, and some through simple gestures of inclusion and respect.
Judge’s approach with Soto demonstrates why he’s considered one of baseball’s premier leaders – understanding that championship cultures are built on relationships that begin before players even step onto the field together. The Judge/Soto-led Yankees reached the World Series in 2024, but lost to the Dodgers.
For Mets fans, this revelation might explain some of the chemistry issues that plagued the team. While talent ultimately determines success in baseball, the intangibles of team building can make the difference in critical moments.
The Mets raced out of the gates in 2024 and had MLB’s best record in mid-May. But things fell apart over the second half of the season and the Mets missed the playoffs despite a $341 million payroll.
Since then, the core has essentially been broken up. Nimmo was traded to the Texas Rangers for Marcus Semien in November and the Mets lost slugging first baseman Pete Alonso (Orioles) and closer Edwin Diaz (Dodgers) in free agency.
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