David Wright thinks Mets teammate Cespedes should be in NL MVP discussion
After another dynamic performance from Yoenis Cespedes on Wednesday, the MVP chatter is growing louder surrounding the Cuban outfielder, some of which is emanating from the New York Mets clubhouse.
After driving in five runs in the Mets' first two wins of their series against the Washington Nationals, Cespedes had an influential role in New York's win on Wednesday to sweep the division-runner-up Nats.
With the score tied, 2-2, in the top of the eighth, Cespedes ripped a go-ahead two-run home run off Nats reliever Drew Storen, which proved to be the game-winner.
The clutch hit was another bullet point on Cespedes' résumé for his NL MVP campaign.
"I'm not sure how that works, but he should be in discussion for the National League MVP," third baseman David Wright said. "I mean it's impressive. He's been a big-time run producer for us. It just seems like those big situations find him and more often than not, he comes through."
In the 36 games in which Cespedes has played with the Mets after being dealt to New York at the trade deadline, he has hit .312/.357/.675 with 14 home runs and 36 RBI.
"It just seems every night he comes up with a big hit," manager Terry Collins said. "I don't know if there's any truth with what happened [Tuesday], with us getting the chance to negotiate with this guy, but I hope we get the opportunity to."
As for Cespedes' key to producing in clutch situations as he did in Wednesday's game, the 29-year-old outfielder revealed that he used to work on his mentality with a psychologist in Cuba to prepare himself for big moments.
"It might sound a little crazy but in Cuba I used to work a lot with a psychologist," Cespedes said. "Not because I had problems, but rather to strengthen my mind. I think that in those moments, I lock in, and thankfully, things turn out well."
(h/t NJ.com)
