Noah Syndergaard, RHP

Player Data: Age: 26, B/T: L/R
Primary Stats:  25 G, 154.1 IP, 3.03 ERA; 1.212 WHIP, o.5 HR/9, 2.3 BB/9, 9.0 K/9, 155 K
Advanced Stats: 4.0 bWAR, 4.2 fWAR, 121 ERA+, 2.80 FIP/3.29 xFIP
Free Agency: 2022
2019 Salary: 2nd-Year Arbitration Eligible

Grade: B+

2018 Review

Last season was a mixed bag for Noah Syndergaard. Just like in 2017, the young right-hander sustained an injury that sidelined him for an extended period of time. This year it was a finger injury that caused him to miss all of June and half of July.

When he was on the mound, Syndergaard wasn’t quite the ace he has shown that he can be. His 9.0 K/9 ratio was the lowest of his career while his 2.3 BB/9 was the highest of his career. His problem of allowing stolen bases also continued in 2018. But, even in a seemingly down year, Syndergaard still found success.

He also led the team in wins with 13, despite missing more than a month (I know, I know, wins don’t matter. But I think they warranted a mention here). His bWAR of 4.0 was among the top of all Major League pitchers, better than guys like Carlos Carrasco, Jon Lester and James Paxton and equal to Clayton Kershaw, all of whom pitched more innings than Syndergaard.

Finishing strong is important and Syndergaard was money in September (and briefly, October). He posted a 1.73 ERA in 41.2 innings. He also pitched two complete games in the final month-plus of the season, including a shutout in the final game.

Not bad for a down year.

2019 Outlook

Syndergaard’s name has recently become a fixture in different trade rumors. However, as of now it appears he is staying put. Assuming he is still on the team come Opening Day, Syndergaard will be an extremely important piece if the Mets plan to contend. He has shown that he can be an ace. If he and fellow right-handed stud Jacob deGrom can put up good numbers and stay healthy, the team’s outlook is much sunnier.

While much has been made about Syndergaard struggling with the running game, the primary concern surrounding him is his health. Syndergaard has yet to reach 200 innings. In 2019, the Mets will surely count on him to reach that number. If he does, there is no reason to believe he won’t be able to return to his All-Star form that we saw in 2016.