​This isn’t working. The New York Mets are in last place with Juan Soto, so what would change if they didn’t have Soto? Guess what, they would still be in last place. And it doesn’t matter that Soto was a starter in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game and that, despite a stint on the Injured List, his numbers are still elite. Through 78 games, Soto is hitting .290 with 21 home runs, 51 RBI, 44 runs scored, and seven stolen bases. Right now, though, all of that production is for naught.MORE: Juan Soto gets candid when asked about his time with the Yankees in 2024Soto already has a World Series championship under his belt (2019, and it’s clear that he can lead a team offensively. For one season, Soto coexisted with Aaron Judge without issue. He’s also played with Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis, as there seemingly weren’t any problems either. But with Francisco Lindor and the Mets, that hasn’t proven to be the case.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Mets initially traded for Lindor and subsequently awarded him with a 10-year contract extension, with the intention that he would be a large part of their future. He acted as a de facto captain and leader, and the Mets were seemingly on their way towards winning a World Series.From a baseball standpoint, signing Soto made sense. Adding his powerful left-handed bat should truly make a difference. Instead, Soto and Lindor seemingly clashed, and plans to potentially name Lindor captain no longer proceeded.There were issues between the two superstars to the point that owner Steve Cohen recently had to refute and address those rumors. Instead of denying any clash, he said that things had gotten better this season. However, things are still far from perfect, and given his 10-and-five rights (10 years of service time, five with the same team), Lindor can veto any trade.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe shortstop has said that he doesn’t want to be traded, but a divorce appears to be inevitable. Trading a veteran shortstop who could potentially be on the downside of his career could prove to be difficult, regardless of what Lindor would agree to.Soto is much younger and still in the prime of his career. Moving the outfielder, along with the other moves the Mets are likely to make at the Trade Deadline, would essentially grant them a clean slate and fresh start. If not, it’s hard to find much optimism around the Mets.— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —