Juan Soto Predicts Francisco Lindor’s All-Star Return in 2027

Juan Soto doubled down on his confidence in Francisco Lindor’s future All-Star status during All-Star interviews on July 13, 2026, guaranteeing the shortstop’s return to the Midsummer Classic in 2027.

Soto spoke to reporters in Philadelphia on Monday as players arrived for the 2026 All-Star Game. When asked which Mets teammates could make next year’s roster, he named several young players but zeroed in on Lindor. “All of them. I think Benge, Ewing, they have so much talent. I know Lindor is going to be back up again,” Soto said. He added, “We have a real All-Star team over there. I just hope we can get healthier and get more experience for the young guys.”

The exchange highlights Soto’s public support for Lindor amid ongoing Mets struggles. Lindor made the All-Star team in 2025 while Soto missed out, but this year Soto earned the nod while Lindor did not. Their dynamic matters because the Mets sit at 40-57 and last in the NL East after a 34-47 start under fired manager Carlos Mendoza.

Rumors about tension between Soto and Lindor surfaced earlier this season, fueled by comments from Mets owner Steve Cohen. In a New York Post interview weeks ago, Cohen called the reported friction “last year’s issue” and insisted the two are getting along better. Soto pushed back, telling The Athletic there were never issues. “There were no issues last year: at all,” he said. “We didn’t have any beef or anything. Definitely, our relationship is getting better because it takes time.”

Speculation about Soto and Lindor’s relationship fades only if the Mets start winning. After missing the playoffs in 2025, expectations were high but the team hasn’t turned things around. Even a managerial change didn’t spark a turnaround; the Mets were swept by the Boston Red Sox over the weekend. With Soto and Lindor both locked in through at least 2027, the club’s trajectory could hinge on their chemistry-and their health.