Mets first baseman/designated hitter Dominic Smith was named a finalist for the 2020 Hank Aaron award Tuesday morning, which recognizes the most outstanding regular season offensive performer.
Major League Baseball announced the 14 finalists, which includes seven players from each league. Along with Smith in the National League, Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper, San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado , St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto, were named as finalists.
The finalists in the American League include Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu, Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez, Los Angeles Angels Mike Trout, Minnesota Twins designated hitter Nelson Cruz, New York Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu, Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe and Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Teoscar Hernandez.
Trout and Christian Yelich won the 2019 Hank Aaron awards in the American and National League, respectively.
Freeman and Soto are the most likely candidates to come away with the award. Freeman leads the National League in runs scored (51), doubles (23), extra base hits (37), times on base (121). Soto is at the top of the leaderboard in batting average (.351), OBP (.490), slugging (.695) and OPS (1.185).
Smith began the year on the bench with Yoenis Cespedes as the primary designated hitter. However, once Cespedes opted-out of the season in early August, Smith became the guy and took advantage of the opportunity.
The 25-year old led the Mets in doubles (21), RBIs (42), slugging percentage (.616) and OPS (.993). Smith also clubbed 10 homers, scored 27 runs and had a .377 on-base percentage.
Smith’s slugging percentage and OPS were 4th in the National League, while his batting average was 10th. His 21 doubles were second, just two behind Freeman for the top spot in the league. Considering the Mets didn’t have a specified role for Smith heading into the season, his year opened some eyes and solidified a prominent role going forward.
Smith was one of the few bright spots during a down season and he is finally getting noticed on a national level. Be sure to vote for Smith by clicking on this link.
