“He’s like the LeBron James of track and field” - Josh Smith on his relationship with Antoine Duplantis and Swedish pole vaulting star Mondo Duplantis

It's been an unforgettable, and in some cases, unrepeatable 365 days for Texas Rangers utilityman Josh Smith. It all started in October 2023 when Smith and the Rangers won their first World Series title in franchise history. Although Smith didn't play during the postseason run, he earned himself a World Series ring for his regular-season contributions.

"JOSH. HAMILTON. SMITH." - @rangers__nation

Fast-forward several months and Josh Smith has been enjoying a true breakout season. The 27-year-old has become an important piece of the Rangers lineup thanks to his improvements at the plate, as well as his defensive versatility. The three-year veteran has set new personal bests in every category across the board and cemented himself with a regular spot in the lineup.

While winning the World Series and having a breakout season is not uncommon, it's Smith's personal connections that add to the rather unique year he is enjoying. Smith's best friend is Antoine Duplantis, the brother of Paris Olympics pole vaulting superstar Mondo Duplantis.

“He’s like the LeBron James of track and field.” Josh Smith shares with BK his relationship with @antoine_dupl and Swedish pole vaulting star @mondohoss600! #MLBNow" - @MLBNow

Josh Smith shared his connection to the Duplantis family in a recent interview with MLB Now.

"Me and him are best friends, he was the best man at my wedding," Smith said of his relationship with former New York Mets draft pick Antoine Duplantis. "I got pretty close to his brother, Mondo, he's a stud," the Rangers star continued.

"He's a stud in Sweden," Smith said of Mondo Duplantis. "Maybe in the US it's not as popular but in Sweden he’s like the LeBron James of track and field," he continued.

While some may call his comparison to LeBron James crazy, Mondo established himself as one of the true breakout stars of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Josh Smith and the Texas Rangers are looking to have their own breakout before the end of the year

Despite the emergence of Josh Smith as a solid, everyday player, the Texas Rangers have struggled to consistently produce this season. The reigning World Series champions have not fired on all cylinders like they did last year and as a result, they find themselves on the outside of the playoffs looking in.

There is still time remaining in the calendar for the Rangers to vault themselves up the AL Wild Card standings, however, they need to turn it on ASAP. Before Thursday's action, the Rangers sit 9.5 games outside of a postseason spot. If they're going to make a late-season run, it needs to start now.