Looks like we’re not the only ones to notice the dominant year Noah Syndergaard enjoyed between High-A St. Lucie and Double-A Binghamton. MLB Trade Rumors released their All-Prospect All-Star team, and Thor was selected as one of the three top starting pitchers based off his performance this season. Here’s what Marc Hulet of MLBTR had to say about Noah:
“Jameson Taillon (Pirates), Kevin Gausman (Orioles) and Robert Stephenson (Reds) also received consideration as the one of the top pitchers in the minors but the final spot went to the Mets’ prospect. Syndergaard showed a rare combination of power (his fastball can tickle triple digits) and control when he struck out 133 batters in 117 2/3 innings and issued 28 free passes. Just 20, the Texas native finished the year with 11 starts at the Double-A level.”
Now a 21-year-old, those 117.2 regular season innings a combined record of 9-4, 3.06 ERA, and 1.15 WHIP.
It’s no surprise that Syndergaard has become the new #1 prospect for us here at Mets Minors. Here’s what Satish R. had to say about our unanimous top pick:
Affectionately named Thor, our unanimous No. 1 Prospect turned out to be Noah Syndergaard, which shocked…well, nobody. Syndergaard possesses everything you could hope for in a top prospect and there’s nothing more to be said about that. Thor is relatively huge as a pitcher and it was shocking to me to see just how big a specimen he really is. They didn’t name him after a Norse God for nothing, folks.
Syndergaard’s fastball sits at 95 during most games, which is made even better by his above-average command. His curve ball was considered on the fringe, but he’s definitely working on it. It tops out as a plus pitch, and with his fastball basically at plus-plus, he has the potential to be dominant with those two pitches alone. He mixes in a nice change-of-pace change-up as his third pitch, and the Blue Jays developmental team did teach him a slider.
It’s difficult to think of anything to say about Syndergaard that hasn’t already been said. I honestly think his potential outweighs that of Wheeler when he was moving through our system because Thor has more control. I think he’ll be our own version of the dominant Josh Beckett we saw in the early parts of his career.
Man, I’m just glad he’s one of ours…
So am I, Satish. So am I.
Congratulations to Noah on this honor! We’re all looking forward to the progress he will continue to make, and to see him in the big leagues sometime next year.