The free-agent market in MLB still presents teams with several options of all budgets to fill their rosters.
On the pitching side of things, there are still elite options (Blake Snell), mid-tier alternatives (Michael Lorenzen, Mike Clevinger), and some bargains, like former Cleveland Guardians right-hander Noah Syndergaard.
Speaking of Syndergaard, the Guardians aren’t particularly eager on a reunion, but that doesn’t mean he is not generating interest around the league.
MLB insider Robert Murray explains that two potential contenders are monitoring him.
“The #Pirates and #Padres are among the teams interested in free-agent RHP Noah Syndergaard, per @ByRobertMurray,” MLB Deadline News tweeted.
The #Pirates and #Padres are among the teams interested in free-agent RHP Noah Syndergaard, per @ByRobertMurray pic.twitter.com/YRYWf2T626
— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) January 23, 2024
They proceeded to publish a graphic with some of his 2023 basic stats.
Suffice it to say, Syndergaard wasn’t good last year.
He posted a 6.50 ERA in 88.2 frames between the Guardians and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
With each passing year, it becomes clearer and clearer that he just isn’t the same after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2020.
These days, the procedure has a high rate of success, with “success” meaning that the pitcher eventually regains his stuff, fastball velocity, and command.
Syndergaard, however, has been an exception.
A brilliant, burgeoning career was cut short by the procedure, and he just hasn’t been the same after that.
He used to average 97 to 98 mph with his heater.
Now, he barely surpasses 90 mph.
The Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres, however, might need someone that eats innings and completes the staff.
Syndergaard can be that guy, but it likely won’t be pretty unless he miraculously recovers his fastball velocity.
NEXT: Guardians Veteran Continues To Receive Offseason Praise
