The good and bad of Noah Syndergaard joining the Colorado Rockies

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LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 29: Noah Syndergaard #34 of the New York Mets pitches in the first inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on May 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

As the Colorado Rockies continue their search for better starting pitching, we will continue to weigh the pros and cons of the available arms on the market. The next name on the list is New York Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard.

Like Marcus Stroman (who we discussed here), rumors of Thor coming to Colorado have been around for a long time. However, the Mets have been notably reluctant to move their strong pitching core in recent years. This year, that could change with new GM Brodie Van Wagenen.

Syndergaard’s stuff would play at Coors Field about as well as any other pitcher on the market. Unlike Stroman who is a big ground ball pitcher, Syndergaard is a strikeout guy. Think Jon Gray at his best. While the Rockies used to seek out ground ball pitchers, they have recently come to the realization that the more the ball gets into play, the more likely it is to find a hole and result in a hit.

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Their new strategy is to miss as many bats as possible and Syndergaard would fit perfectly into that plan.

When healthy, Syndergaard has been one of the best pitchers in baseball and his injury history may result in a bit of a discount. Another advantage of Syndergaard is that he won’t be a free agent until 2022, so this wouldn’t be just a rental.

The division rival San Diego Padres are supposed to be one of the top teams interested in Thor. Therefore, if the Rockies were able to swoop in and snag him first, it would prevent having to face yet another elite pitcher within the division.

Thor also has great numbers against every NL West team except for the Padres, interestingly enough. He has never pitched at Coors Field, though, so his results in his potential home ballpark would be an unknown.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 15: Noah Syndergaard #34 of the New York Mets walks off the field with head trainer Brian Chicklo in the seventh inning during the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field on June 15, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

There is and always has been one glaring con to any Noah Syndergaard deal. The guy just can’t stay healthy. He’s only pitched a full 30 games once in his career.

Add to that the fact that he is having the worst season of his career and the idea of giving up very much for him would make even the most bullish GM hesitate. Not only is Thor’s ERA (4.68) nearly a run and a half higher than his previous career-worst, but his strikeout rate is also down, currently less than a strikeout per inning for the first time in his career.

Thor is still young and a change of scenery would certainly help his production (and maybe even his health as it seems none of the Mets can ever stay healthy) but would the Rockies gamble on having that change of scenery at a mile above sea level?

Like most of the pitchers on the market, Thor would be an improvement to the Rockies’ staff, but would he be worth what they’d have to give up to get him? With their offense, the Rockies can probably get away with league-average pitching (their pitching is currently well below average so this would be a huge upgrade), but do they want to pay the price for elite pitching to get league average pitching in return?

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Whether they like it or not, they might have to. If they do decide to make a big splash, Thor has the stuff to pitch at Coors Field as long as he can stay healthy and due to his contract, he would be a part of the rotation for years to come.

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As the Colorado Rockies continue their search for better starting pitching, we will continue to weigh the pros and cons of the available arms on the market. The next name on the list is New York Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard.

More from Rox Pile

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