The free-agent pitching market has seen its fair share of action this offseason, with notable names like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Sonny Gray, Seth Lugo, and Marcus Stroman finding new homes. However, there’s one former Cleveland Guardians starter who remains unsigned but is generating interest from teams.
According to reports, the San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates are among the teams considering a “one-year prove it deal” for Noah Syndergaard, as suggested by Robert Murray of FanSided.
Syndergaard, once known as “Thor” for his dominant performances with the New York Mets, has faced setbacks in recent years. He underwent Tommy John surgery on his elbow, and his pitching hasn’t been the same since.
In 2023, the Los Angeles Dodgers took a chance on Syndergaard, signing him to a one-year, $13 million contract. However, his season with the Dodgers was marred by challenges. He made 12 starts but struggled, posting a high ERA of 7.16 over 55.1 innings. During his tenure with the Dodgers, he also spent time in their Triple-A affiliate, dealing with an index finger blister and working on refining his mechanics.
Midway through the season, the Cleveland Guardians acquired Syndergaard in a trade that sent Amed Rosario to the Dodgers. In his six starts with the Guardians, Syndergaard recorded a 5.40 ERA.
However, his time with the Guardians was short-lived, as he was designated for assignment on August 28 and subsequently released on the 30th.
While the Guardians already boast a solid rotation for the 2024 season, signing Syndergaard to an incentive-based deal remains an intriguing option for teams seeking additional starting pitching depth.