White Sox Bolster Roster: Noah Syndergaard Joins Team on Minor League Contract!

The White Sox have brought former All-Star pitcher Noah Syndergaard on board with a minor league contract, according to James Fegan of Sox Machine. He’s heading to Arizona’s spring complex to get ready for the season.

Syndergaard, who turns 33 in August, hasn’t taken the mound in the majors since splitting the 2023 season between the Dodgers and Guardians. Once a promising star for the Mets, his career took a hit due to injuries, including a significant Tommy John surgery. From 2015 to 2019, he had a solid track record with a 3.31 ERA and a solid strikeout rate of 26.4%. However, injuries have hindered his performance ever since.

After surgery, the Angels signed him for a one-year deal worth $21 million, hoping he would return to form. Instead, he performed more like a fourth starter, recording a 3.83 ERA and a drop in his fastball speed. He was later traded to the Phillies, where he had a similar lackluster performance.

His 2023 stint with the Dodgers didn’t go as planned, leading to another trade with the Guardians, who soon released him. Although there was speculation about interest from the Padres and Pirates for 2024, he decided to step back and focus on making a 2025 comeback.

Since his return from Tommy John surgery, Syndergaard has pitched just 225.1 innings in the majors, with a disappointing 4.99 ERA and a strikeout rate of 15.9%. His fastball, which once averaged 98.6 mph, now hovers around 93.2 mph, and this drop raises concerns about his ability to compete effectively.

Tommy John surgery has become common in baseball, and many expect a full return to form afterward. However, Syndergaard’s journey reminds us that recovery can be unpredictable. He could be a gamble for the White Sox, but with the team’s rebuilding phase, he might find the opportunity he needs to revive his career.

As the 2024 season approaches, it will be interesting to see if Syndergaard can adapt and regain his edge. Many athletes face similar challenges, and stories like his can serve as cautionary tales when it comes to recovery and performance in sports.

For more on the impact of Tommy John surgery in baseball, you can explore this report from MLB.

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