New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor isn't worried about teammate Juan Soto living up to the expectations of his record-breaking deal.
"In the grand scheme of things, people have tendencies to look at a long-term contract in a one-year span," Lindor said, according to MLB.com's Anthony DiComo.
"But it's a long-term contract. It's going to play out. He's going to be one of the greatest Mets to play in this organization. To play 15 years here, he's going to throw up some crazy numbers."
Soto is receiving criticism for how he's started his debut campaign with the Mets after inking a 15-year, $765-million contract with the franchise. The outfielder is slashing .243/.374/.429 with eight home runs and 21 RBIs in 49 games. He also had a recent conversation with manager Carlos Mendoza after showing a lack of hustle during a game against the Boston Red Sox.
Like Soto, Lindor went through tough times during his first season with the Mets, who acquired him in a trade from the Cleveland Guardians and inked him to a 10-year, $341-million extension.
But the four-time All-Star developed a strategy that helped him transform into a better performer and teammate, and he believes Soto will similarly work through his struggles.
"I learned how to stay the course and live in the moment and not live so much with the exterior noises," Lindor said. "And then rely on the people that were here to help me continue to get better."
