When can Juan Soto opt out of his New York Mets contract?

The Mets say this is not a problem and generally explain it away as very different personality types — Soto is withdrawn and Lindor ebullient — who don’t socialize, but also don’t have

The New York Mets are coming off one of the most shocking collapses in recent memory, going from the best team in the league to completely missing the playoffs. On Tuesday, the Mets lost closer Edwin Díaz, and on Wednesday, Pete Alonso signed a deal with the Baltimore Orioles, ending his tenure as a Met.

The New York Mets' team dynamics have been discussed at length this offseason. Several reports claimed that the core group of players was unsatisfied as personalities clashed in the clubhouse.

Juan Soto was already elite in his first year with the Mets, but his track record and stability going into 2026 suggest there’s still another level to come.

Ron Darling does not see this Mets lineup as potent without adding another bat amid Pete Alonso's departure.

If the New York Mets trade franchise cornerstone Francisco Lindor this offseason, don’t count Eduardo Perez among the fans of the deal. MORE: Yankees sign free agent pitcher coming off career-best 2025 season Speaking on “The Leadoff Spot” on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM on Friday,

Juan Soto will likely have to move to DH at some point during his 15-year deal with the Mets, but don’t expect it in 2026.