Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Dominic Smith made a strong statement in his first regular season appearance of 2021, after being benched for the Mets’ opening night game against the Phillies on Monday. Smith started Tuesday’s game in left field and showcased why he needs to remain in the lineup moving forward.

In the fourth inning, with no runs on the board yet for either team, Smith crushed a Chase Anderson fastball over the left field wall for his first home run of the season. The 390-foot, two-run blast was the first for the Mets as a team this year, as the left-handed slugger showcased some opposite field pop.

What made this home run all the more impressive was the fact that he got all of a pitch that came in around his eyes.

Anderson’s 92.3 mph fastball was up and out of the zone, yet Smith had no issue getting the barrel to ball. The exit velocity off the bat of Smith was 101.8 mph.

Smith’s home run gave the Mets a 2-0 lead, which they would hold onto as they went on to beat the Phillies 8-4. Smith would finish the night 1-for-4, with a home run and two RBI.

Last season was a career year for Smith offensively, as he hit .316/.377/.616, with 31 extra base hits and 42 RBI in just a 50-game sample. Smith’s 164 wRC+ was the sixth-best mark in all of baseball in 2020, proving he can be one of the best sluggers in the game.

If Smith continues to showcase his run-producing prowess, it is going to be very hard to keep his bat out of the lineup.