The Los Angeles Angels and former New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard are reportedly closing in on a contract that could bring the 6-foot-6 flamethrower to Southern California.
Syndergaard, who received an $18.4 million qualifying offer, is reportedly in negotiations with the Angels. MLB Networks Jon Morosi first reported the news, with ESPN’s Jeff Passan sharing that it is a one-year contract worth $21 million.
As Morosi notes, Syndergaard hadn’t rejected the Mets’ qualifying offer. But that decision will become official with the finishing touches put on his new contract with Los Angeles. Once the deal is finalized, the Angels are subject to lose $500,000 from their international bonus pool and a second-round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft under the current CBA that expires on Dec. 2.
- Noah Syndergaard stats (career): 3.32 ERA, 9.74 K/9, 2.1 BB/9, 119 ERA+, 47-31 record over 718 innings
Shortly before the 2020 MLB season, Syndergaard suffered a torn UCL in his pitching elbow and underwent Tommy John surgery in March of that year. He was set to return to the mound midway through the 2021 season, but suffered a setback in May.
The 29-year-old returned to the Mets’ pitching staff on Sept. 28, coming out of the bullpen. Across two appearances, his average fastball velocity (94.7 mph) was still significantly down from his career average (97.6 mph).
Following Syndergaard’s departure, the Mets will receive a compensatory Competitive Balance Round B pick in the 2022 MLB Draft.