COULD THOR BE THE YANKEES NEW CLOSER?

Yeah, I know it is likely a long shot, but what if the hammer throwing god came to the other New York team? What if the Yankees were to sign Noah Syndergaard as bullpen depth or even try him out in the closer role? The Yankees have shown interest in the former Met flame thrower, and who knows, maybe the theory could become a reality.

According to John Heyman from the New York Post, "Yankees are among about 15 teams that have gone to watch one of Noah Syndergaard’s pen sessions. Their interest level is unknown but he was said to be in the mid 90’s." 

Source: USA Today

Syndergaard was never the same after having Tommy John surgery which kept him out the entire 2020 season. And in 2021, he only had two starts. His injuries and inability to remain consistent bounced him to multiple teams since leaving the New York Mets in 2022. "After once being a huge star early on in his career, Noah Syndergaard has become a journeyman the last few years, struggling to stay in one place due to poor performances," reported SI.com.

Source: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

The pitcher has had gigs with the Angels, Phillies, Guardians and the Dodgers following a 6-year career with the Mets. "Syndergaard massively struggled in 2023, posting a 7.16 ERA with the Los Angeles Dodgers and a 5.40 after he was traded to the Cleveland Guardians. He was ultimately released, which called into question his future as a Major League pitcher," reported SI.com. 

He's out there pitching for a spot on an MLB rotation somewhere, and why not the Bronx? He likely won't be in the starting rotation as that is pretty much etched in stone, barring any setbacks from the proposed roster, but the closing role or any set up role in the bullpen is fully available and much needed. He could be a long reliever as well, having experience going multiple innings. 

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer

The Yankees will have competition from the Pirates, potentially the Mets, the Orioles and possibly the Phillies among other suitors. The likelihood of Syndergaard landing a spot on a team this spring is very high according to multiple sources. He appears healthy and hungry to get back to business- so why not in pinstripes? Hey, you never know- he's been successful here before, why not again?

--Suzie Pinstripe

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @suzieprof