Noah Syndergaard Returns to Baseball

Noah Syndergaard is stepping back onto the baseball field.

According to reports, Syndergaard has signed a minor league deal with the White Sox, a decision announced on Tuesday during a visit to their complex in Glendale, Arizona.

The once-stellar pitcher for the Mets hasn’t played since 2023, following stints with the Dodgers and Guardians.

At only 32, Syndergaard was a formidable presence in the league when he made his debut in 2015, often recognized for his impressive height of 6-foot-6 and striking long blonde hair, paired with a powerful fastball and a devastating slider.

He was originally traded from the Blue Jays to the Mets in 2012 in exchange for Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey. Alongside pitchers like Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler, and Steven Matz, Syndergaard was part of what the Mets hoped would be a dominant rotation.

However, a Tommy John surgery sidelined him for the 2020 season, and he struggled in 2021. After the 2022 season, the Mets extended an $18.4 million qualifying offer, which Syndergaard declined in favor of a $21 million deal with the Angels.

While with the Angels, he managed a 3.83 ERA over 15 games before being traded to the Phillies and contributed during their World Series run.

Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned once he signed with the Dodgers. With a rough 7.16 ERA, he faced criticism and had a particularly tough start in June. Referring to his struggles, he expressed a desire to regain his past form, noting, “I’ll do everything I can to get back to it,” acknowledging that he was falling behind many batters.

After his release, he joined the Guardians but continued to struggle, ending up with a 6.50 ERA across six games. In March, he even celebrated Opening Day with former Mets manager Terry Collins.

Syndergaard is now on a mission to revive his career, looking for new chances to prove himself.