New York Mets outfielder Luis Robert Jr. (left) and outfielder Juan Soto. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

How Juan Soto could be key to Luis Robert Jr.'s bounce back with Mets

By Zachary Papenberg | Last updated Feb 19, 2026 6:22 PM ET

Spring training is here, and Juan Soto’s effect on Luis Robert Jr. is already obvious.

With the New York Mets preparing for their first Grapefruit League game on Saturday, Feb. 21, Soto has quickly become a steady presence for Robert in camp. The two have been spending a lot of time together, and they are building chemistry with one another before the season begins.

Robert showed promise after the All-Star break with the Chicago White Sox, slashing .298/.352/.456 with five home runs, 11 stolen bases, and an .808 OPS. He also walked 7.2% of the time while striking just 15.2%, suggesting his approach at the plate was stabilizing.

The late-season momentum provides a foundation, and Soto’s influence on Robert gives him the opportunity to build off his strong second half and establish consistency alongside one of baseball’s premier hitters.

Juan Soto and Luis Robert Jr. have been spending a lot of time together so far at Mets camp.

Here they are making the long walk back to Clover Park after defensive drills on a back field. pic.twitter.com/xBE424A2jY
— Max Goodman (@MaxTGoodman) February 18, 2026

A leadership chain in Queens

Soto's role mirrors what he experienced himself last season. When he first arrived in New York, veteran outfielder Starling Marte helped him transition over from the Yankees to the Mets, making sure that he felt comfortable with his new team. That guidance allowed Soto to settle in, and now it seems like he is doing the same sort of thing with Robert.

The right-handed slugger has slowly started to get into the swing of things since he arrived at camp. Robert got some batting practice, played catch with Soto and even stepped in to face Tobias Myers on Wednesday. All of which are encouraging signs in his progression.

Luis Robert Jr. putting on a show… He is smashing the ball today. pic.twitter.com/yuSRMK9u5a
— Alexis Farinacci (@AlexisFarinacci) February 18, 2026

Pressure's off due to skill in the lineup

Another positive for Robert is that the spotlight is not directly on him for once.

On the White Sox, he was the main focus of attention and viewed as the most dangerous threat in their lineup. On the Mets, he is no longer the main focus of attention, especially with the way the lineup is constructed.

"I think the biggest difference is the amount of people around," said Robert told reporters, via SportsNet New York. "When you have those goals and expectations there are obviously going to be more eyes on the team."

With Soto by his side and last year’s late-season progress as a springboard, Robert could be on the verge of putting all the pieces together to become the dynamic outfielder the Mets envisioned when they traded for him.

Zachary Papenberg

I am a student at Montclair State University studying sports communication. I write and edit videos for the university newspaper on all sports. This along with being a cast member of the school's radio, the morning buzz. Lastly, I am an independent writer for Yardbarker and FanSided.

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