Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes‘ 2017 season was clouded by injury, which led to the slugger appearing in just 81 games.
This offseason, the 32-year-old changed his offseason training to prevent being sidelined again. Most notably, he lifted lighter weights and began doing yoga to enhance flexibility.
Doing yoga reportedly opened Cespedes’ eyes to his lack of flexibility, saying it was so hard the first time he couldn’t finish it.
Cespedes also began running more this offseason, which he hasn’t done much of in past winters.
“He wants to play everyday,” Mets manager Mickey Callaway said. “When I talked to him at one point, he brought up the fact that he played 160 games that one year. That’s what he wants to do.
“We have to hold him accountable for the things he’s going to do. We have to make sure he’s going about his business the right way, fulfilling all those routines that are going to be necessary for him to go out and play every day. He’s taken the first great step towards that.”
Callaway also added that he “wants Cespedes on the field as much as possible.”
If the Mets want to compete this year, they will indeed need him on the field as much possible. Having that explosive presence in the middle of the lineup will be a huge factor in how far this team will go.
