3. Noah Syndergaard wins his first (but not last) NL Cy Young Award
Syndergaard posted a strong rookie season for the New York Mets in 2015 but took a big step forward in 2016. In 183.2 innings, he posted a 2.60 ERA, 1.149 WHIP, 218 strikeouts and a league best 2.29 FIP.
We also have to remember that Syndergaard is only 24. As such, the Mets have been rather conservative in their use of him. Now that Syndergaard is in his third year, look for the reigns to be taken off of him more. That’s going to be bad news for opposing hitters.
Noah Syndergaard's Stuff HP View [Curve (84 MPH), Fastball (99 MPH), Slider (92 MPH)]. pic.twitter.com/9MuzD8COSU
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) February 6, 2017
His stuff has always been Cy Young caliber. If Syndergaard is allowed to pitch 200 or more innings, it will lead to winning the award.
The scary thing about Syndergaard is that it’s not going to stop there.
While his game is more mature than most pitchers his age, he’s still learning how to pitch at the Major League level. So, while we’re saying that 2017 will be Syndergaard’s first Cy Young Award, get used to seeing him at the end of season award shows. It won’t be his last.