The Los Angeles Angels announced the signing of free agent pitcher Noah Syndergaard to a one-year contract. Representing the first free agent signing for the Angels this winter, the deal is worth a reported $21 million, $2.6 million higher than the qualifying offer he received from his former team, the New York Mets.
Syndergaard reportedly had multiple teams interested within this financial range, but the hard-throwing right-hander chose to sign with the Angels. Presumably, a mix of being the team’s potential ace — as well as the natural innings limit of having a six-man rotation — were appealing to Syndergaard.
This will be Syndergaard’s second professional team, after spending the entirety of his pro career with the Mets. The Mets gave him the qualifying offer ahead of free agency, something that was considered risky with him coming off Tommy John surgery.
The gamble paid off in a way, as not only did the Angels pay more than $18.4 to get Syndergaard’s services, they also owe the Mets a compensatory second-round draft pick in 2022. The deal was made official on Tuesday night, via the Angels:
The Angels have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with RHP Noah Syndergaard. pic.twitter.com/BBs7irtvUj
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) November 17, 2021
The Angels also took some inspiration from Marvel in a clever announcement of the signing, as Syndergaard is partly known around the league as “Thor,” via the Angels.
Working late ⏰ pic.twitter.com/6r4LL5GQ6B
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) November 17, 2021
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This move is not without risk. With his aforementioned Tommy John surgery, Syndergaard has pitched just 2.0 innings since the end of the 2019 season. However, he was one of the league’s best pitchers from 2015-19 and holds a career ERA of 3.32 over 718 innings pitched in 120 starts.
On a positive note, Syndergaard’s Tommy John surgery took place in March of 2020, meaning he’ll be two years removed from it by the start of next season. Generally, it takes a player about two full years to return to 100% health after Tommy John surgery, even if returning to play is possible within 12-18 months.
The Angels are absolutely taking a gamble on him being back to his old self. And if he is, he can undoubtedly help take the Halos to a new level. Neither Syndergaard nor Perry Minasian has commented publicly on the deal yet.
Wednesday marks qualifying offer deadline for Raisel Iglesias
Raisel Iglesias has yet to make a decision regarding the qualifying offer extended to him by the Angels 10 days ago. He has until 2:00 p.m. PT on Wednesday to make his choice, though it’s widely expected that he’ll reject it. He could be in line for a multi-year deal similar to that of Liam Hendriks in 2020.
