Mar 27, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (43) watches the game against the Los Angeles Angels from the dugout at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Spring Training-Los Angeles Dodgers at Los Angeles Angels
(Queens, NY) – Throughout this year, Noah Syndergaard has found it difficult to pick up the hammer and regain his status as “Thor” – the nickname bestowed upon the 6’ 6” right hander when he burst on the scene almost 10 years ago.
One armed with a fastball that hit triple digits, Syndergaard has seen his “stuff” diminish considerably since undergoing Tommy John surgery while with the New York Mets.
Now, he finds himself a free agent – two days after being designated for assignment by the Cleveland Guardians.
Acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in a trade centered around former Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey, Syndergaard quickly became one of the Mets’ top prospects as he overcame earlier issues with control. He was a key member of the Mets rotation as they won the NL Pennant in 2015, and he started the team’s Wild Card game appearance the following year. He missed the COVID-shortened 2020 season (and his entire age 27 year) after undergoing Tommy John. He made one appearance for the Mets at the end of the 2021 season, then decided against accepting their qualifying offer – signing a one-year deal with the LA Angels.
Syndergaard held up decently in Southern California, pitching to a sub 3 ERA, and was dealt to the Philadelphia Phillies ahead of their playoff push. While the team won the pennant, Syndergaard started Game 5 of the World Series, in which the Houston Astros ultimately secured the title.
Following that solid if not-spectacular 2022 campaign, Syndergaard signed with the LA Dodgers, who have had success turning around veteran pitchers recently. That didn’t happen in Chavez Ravine. Syndergaard struggled mightily, and the velocity on his four seamer continued to dip. He finished 1-4 with a 7.16 ERA in Dodger blue before being traded to Cleveland for former Mets shortstop Amed Rosario. Looking beyond the stats: Syndergaard’s average velocity is down to 92.5 MPH this year – having fallen from a peak of 99.5 during the 2017 season.
It seems losing that much explosiveness and navigating diminished “stuff” hasn’t been easy for the man many New York fans associate with flowing blond locks and the God of thunder. In early June, while still with the Dodgers, Syndergaard said he’d give his “hypothetical first-born” to be his old self again. In Cleveland, he pitched better, but still got released after going 1-2 with a 5.40 era across six starts.
Some speculate Syndergaard could benefit by moving to the bullpen and hoping his velocity will play up by pitching in shorter stints. If so, maybe Thor can toss some lightning bolts from the mound once more.
