Padres Reportedly Interested in Former All-Star Pitcher on Dodgers in 2023
The San Diego Padres are reportedly showing interest in former All-Star starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard. Robert Murray of FanSided reported that Syndergaard threw a bullpen session for about 16 teams on Tuesday in California, and the Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates are among the teams who are showing interest in signing him.
Murray called him a "candidate" to sign a one-year, prove-it deal this offseason.
Syndergaard is coming off his worst season in Major League Baseball, as he went a combined 2-6 with a 6.50 ERA in 18 starts with both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Guardians.
Syndergaard had a 7.16 ERA in Los Angeles, and ended up being traded at the deadline to Cleveland. He was designated for assignment by Cleveland after just six starts, and didn't latch on with another team to finish the 2023 season.
Syndergaard is a far cry from his former All-Star self. In 2016, Syndergaard went 14-9 with a 2.60 ERA in 30 starts and 183.2 innings pitched.
After Tommy John surgery robbed him of a 2020 season and most of the 2021 season, he had a decent 2022 season with the Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia Phillies, sporting a 3.94 ERA in 134.2 innings.
However, it all came crashing down in 2023, and he's looking to revitalize his career in 2024.
Syndergaard won't warrant an expensive contract this offseason, so it could make some sense for the Padres as they look to save money.