NY Mets: Dominic Smith has been the team MVP on and off the field in 2020

On and off the field, Dominic Smith has been the New York Mets MVP of 2020.

I remember in my first year with Rising Apple back in 2018 how many people on Twitter with no picture would regularly tweet us about how much they disliked Dominic Smith. I almost couldn’t blame him. In his first two seasons with the New York Mets, Smith was underperforming and headed toward “bust status.”

A lot has changed since. Smith matured in 2019 and began to play better. One may not be the result of the other. However, the transformation is remarkable.

In 2020, we’re seeing a whole new version of Smith. It’s an upgrade over the already better 2019 model. Both on and off the field, Smith is the Mets’ MVP.

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With all due respect to Jacob deGrom, Smith gets my vote for the team MVP. There’s something special about his season. The way he has handled himself away from the diamond is what has me most impressed.

Smith has been outspoken about the racial injustice in this country. He doesn’t just talk a big game either. Smith is active in raising awareness for this important cause.

As if that wasn’t enough to get team MVP considerations, Smith is also playing some awesome baseball. He’s racking up extra-base hits like he’s allergic to settling for first base. As I wrote previously, he’s becoming a legitimate MLB slugger.

When the season finally began, there was still a question about where the Mets could play Smith. He has found himself at first base, left field, and in the DH role.

Left field looks like it may end up as his primary position. The Mets could conceivably go into 2021 with Robinson Cano as the DH, Jeff McNeil at second base, J.D. Davis at third base, and Smith patrolling the outfield out in left.

Who could have seen this coming? After some disastrous moments last year during his attempt to learn the position, he has been much better in the few chances he has had in 2020.

Smith is exactly the kind of player Mets fans want. He does what is asked of him. He sat on the bench plenty since the rise of Pete Alonso. He never once complained about a lack of playing time nor did he stop cheering on his teammates. At every opportunity, he proved he’s someone we all want on this ball club.

I’m still not sure what Smith’s future looks like. His power surge this year is a bit of a surprise when considering his minor league numbers. Smith was always more of first baseman who hit for average. Somewhere along the line, he found his home run stroke.

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The combination of play on the field and words shared off it has made Smith a fan-favorite in New York. If we learned anything from 2020 it’s how there are many things bigger than “the game.” Smith’s awareness of this plus his awesome bat has made for a lethal combination.