After finishing last in the National League Central in 2023, the St. Louis Cardinals needed to regroup during the offseason. This involved rebuilding a pitching staff that collectively posted a 4.79 ERA, contributing to a disappointing 71-91 record. It was their worst finish since 1990 and only the third time since 1918 that the Cardinals ended up in last place.
The team’s focus was primarily on improving their starting pitching. They acquired three veteran right-handers—Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson—to complement returning pitchers Miles Mikolas and Steven Matz in the rotation. Gray, initially expected to be the ace and opening-day starter after finishing as the runner-up for the AL Cy Young in 2023 with the Minnesota Twins, suffered a hamstring injury in spring training, casting doubt on his availability for the start of the season.
With Gray’s status uncertain, there has been speculation among fans and media that the Cardinals might be looking for a free-agent starter who could provide value without a hefty price tag. Despite being unlikely to pursue top-tier pitchers like Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell, the team has shown no interest in signing controversial pitcher Trevor Bauer.
Recent rumors suggest that the Cardinals might be considering Noah Syndergaard, a former ace, as a potential target. One major publication has hinted at the possibility of St. Louis showing interest in the pitcher.
Syndergaard has shown impressive statistics in the past, making him an attractive option for any team looking to add a former All-Star pitcher at a reasonable cost. Despite experiencing difficulties over the last few seasons, including a challenging 2023 season where he struggled with a 6.50 ERA while playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Guardians, Syndergaard’s past performance and potential upside could make him a worthwhile gamble for teams in need of pitching depth.
He was eventually designated for assignment in late August 2023, leading many to believe that his career might be in jeopardy.
Noah Syndergaard faced significant struggles last season, leading him to express a desire to regain his previous form, stating, “I would give away my hypothetical firstborn to be the old me.” Despite these challenges, Syndergaard, known as “Thor” for his distinctive appearance, remains determined to continue his Major League Baseball career and is aiming for a strong comeback in 2024.
The St. Louis Cardinals, known for their success with reclamation projects, may view Syndergaard as a potential option. As a veteran available at a modest cost, Syndergaard offers the potential for high performance at a low salary, fitting the Cardinals’ historical approach to roster building. With the team already projected to spend around $170 million on player salaries in 2024, their financial constraints make Syndergaard’s affordability and potential upside an appealing prospect.
Noah Syndergaard faced significant struggles last season, leading him to express a desire to regain his previous form, stating, “I would give away my hypothetical firstborn to be the old me.” Despite these challenges, Syndergaard, known as “Thor” for his distinctive appearance, remains determined to continue his Major League Baseball career and is aiming for a strong comeback in 2024.
The St. Louis Cardinals, known for their success with reclamation projects, may view Syndergaard as a potential option. As a veteran available at a modest cost, Syndergaard offers the potential for high performance at a low salary, fitting the Cardinals’ historical approach to roster building. With the team already projected to spend around $170 million on player salaries in 2024, their financial constraints make Syndergaard’s affordability and potential upside an appealing prospect.
A recent article by Sports Illustrated’s Patrick McAvoy suggested that Noah Syndergaard could be an ideal addition to bolster the struggling St. Louis Cardinals’ pitching rotation. McAvoy noted that Syndergaard might be a cost-effective option to deepen the Cardinals’ pitching staff, especially considering the team’s financial flexibility. While Cardinals’ President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak has not singled out Syndergaard as a target, he remains open to exploring all possibilities to improve the team. If Sonny Gray continues to struggle with arm issues or if the Cardinals encounter further pitching challenges, McAvoy speculates that Syndergaard could become a viable option for the team, given the current circumstances.
