"You can only dream of winning" - Francisco Lindor expresses heartfelt gratitude after NL MVP finalist selection, joining Shohei Ohtani, Ketel Marte

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor shared his first reaction after being named one of the three finalists for the National League MVP award. He's up against Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani and Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte for the honor.

While Ohtani's hitting numbers are unmatched, some analysts have thrown their support behind Lindor, given his two-way role on both sides of the plate. While the Dodgers star is favored by the oddsmakers, it might not be unanimous due to Lindor.

On Tuesday, Lindor joined the MLB Network to thank his teammates, coaching staff and trainers for their contribution to his outstanding season.

"It’s an honor to be in this position," Lindor said (5:00 onwards). "I thank the Lord for it. I thank my teammates and coaches. I had a lot of conversations throughout the year with coaches and players to get better, to find ways to make it to the playoffs. This is all about winning, trying to play good baseball the whole year, and it leads to moments like this—like the one I’m having today, where I’m a finalist for MVP.

"You know, you can only dream of winning an MVP, and I’m honored and blessed to be in this position. We’ll see what happens."

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Francisco Lindor lavishes praise on fellow teammates for his clutch numbers

Unlike last season, where Francisco Lindor struggled in clutch moments, the Mets shortstop delivered when required in 2024.

Be it the grand slam in the bottom of the 6th inning to give the Mets a 4-1 lead in NLDS Game 4 against the Philadelphia Phillies or the go-ahead two-run homer in the top of the 9th inning against the Atlanta Braves that sealed the final Wild Card spot for the team, Lindor's clutch performances are in large part of the reason why the Mets reached the NL pennant series.

In the same conversation with MLB Network, Lindor attributed the success to confidence in fellow hitters playing near him in the lineup.

"And there were a lot of moments toward the end of the game where things lined up, and I’d come up with people on base, or I’d get to start the game with a hit or a double. It was just like everything was aligning the way everybody wanted it to align," Lindor said. [2:10]

"I felt very comfortable. I felt like I was in a good spot, believing in myself. And also, it’s easy to play when you know the guy behind you can get it done."

It remains to be seen whether voters get swayed by Shohei Ohtani's hitting numbers or if they will give priority to Francisco Lindor's two-way production.