Peralta facilitated meeting between Lindor, Soto (source)

Starting pitcher Freddy Peralta, whom the Mets traded to the Rays ahead of Monday’s Trade Deadline, helped facilitate an improving relationship between New York stars Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto. Peralta called a meeting between the two in June, a source confirmed to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo. The club has not commented on the meeting.

ESPN first reported this meeting on Wednesday, adding that Peralta confirmed the meeting but declined to disclose any details. Lindor similarly acknowledged the meeting, though he pushed back on its significance.

"It was more of a conversation like we always have with our group of Latinos," Lindor said in Spanish, according to ESPN. "But I don't want to comment on the details."

Soto, however, denied that the meeting happened, though he confirmed that his relationship with Lindor has been better in 2026.

"There was no meeting, no discussion," Soto said in Spanish, according to ESPN. "This year has been better. We've gotten along very well. We've learned from each other."

Speculation about a Lindor-Soto rift has circulated since last season, Soto’s first in a Met uniform after signing a record-breaking 15-year, $765M contract. Lindor, meanwhile, has been in place as a superstar in Queens since 2021.

Both have previously downplayed the idea of a disconnect in the clubhouse, including during 2026 Spring Training. But in the middle of a disappointing season in New York, Lindor’s name became surfaced in trade rumors, an idea that gained outside steam because of the perception of his relationship with Soto.

However, Mets owner Steve Cohen spoke to the New York Post on July 1 and shot down the idea of a Lindor trade, which was always seen as a long shot in the first place.

"I don't see them going anywhere," Cohen said. "And, frankly, I think that's a story (their relationship) that was last year's story and that actually I am told -- and believe strongly -- that these guys are getting along much better. And so I just don't see it as an issue anymore."

The Mets completely retooled their roster this season to try and build around Lindor and Soto as cornerstones. Former franchise icons Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil were among those traded or not retained, while the club brought in the likes of Peralta, Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien and others.

But New York is now 48-66 and traded Peralta -- as well as seven other players -- ahead of Monday’s deadline with an eye on 2027 and beyond. The club also fired manager Carlos Mendoza in June.