Ever since August 1st, the Mets have exploded for the most runs in the National League. A huge reason for this outburst has been the tremendous production of Yoenis Cespedes and Lucas Duda. The two have combined for 26 home runs during in this span and have an outstanding .975 OPS during the stretch run.
These excellent numbers got me thinking. Could Cespedes and Duda be the best power combo in the National League?
For the season, they have crushed a total of 62 home runs, 74 doubles and 173 RBI. These numbers put them in some pretty elite company.
Only two other National League duo’s have combined to hit more home runs. Nolan Arenado and Carlos Gonzalez have the most with 81, and Votto and Frazier are second with 64.
The first thing that jumps out about them is that they play in extreme hitter friendly parks. How different would their totals look if they played in tougher environments like Cespedes and Duda had to deal with all year?
Unsurprisingly, park adjusted numbers seem to favor the Mets. Cespedes and Duda’s OPS + are both above 130, which is higher than Arenado, Gonzalez and Frazier’s marks of around 120. However, Votto still stands out as the best with an OPS + of 176.
Another duo that should be considered is Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant of the Cubs. While they are six home runs behind Cespedes and Duda, they have a higher total of RBI and have 17 more extra base hits. Both are closing in on excellent 100 RBI seasons and are leading the Cubs back into the playoffs for the first time since 2008.
A lot of people might give them the edge because of their age and upside, but it’s still a really close call statistically.
Regardless, the fact that Cespedes and Duda are right up there with the league’s best really shows what a dangerous team the Mets are right now as they prepare for the playoffs. Everyone focuses on the pitching staff, but the lineup should be feared as well.
Cespedes and Duda provide plenty of star power, but the Mets also have a deep and well balanced attack with the contributions of Curtis Granderson, David Wright and Travis d’Arnaud.
