Noah Syndergaard's rise and fall: From Mets star to injury struggles
Noah Syndergaard’s MLB career once looked unstoppable. Drafted by the Mets, he quickly became a star pitcher with standout performances in the mid-2010s. But injuries and team struggles later overshadowed his early promise. Syndergaard burst onto the scene in 2015 with a 3.24 ERA and 166 strikeouts in 150 innings. His dominance continued in the postseason, where he made four appearances—three as a starter—posting a 3.32 ERA. The following year, he earned All-Star honours with a 2.60 ERA and 218 strikeouts in 183 ⅓ innings.
One of his finest moments came in the 2016 playoffs, when he struck out 10 Giants batters over seven shutout innings. Off the field, he embraced New York life, living in Manhattan and immersing himself in the city’s culture. Yet his career took a sharp turn in 2020 after Tommy John surgery sidelined him for over a year. By 2023, his final MLB season, his ERA had ballooned to 6.50. Reflecting on his time with the Mets, he admitted tensions under former owner Jeff Wilpon’s leadership. Recently, Syndergaard suggested the team’s struggles might stem from a quirky superstition—the 'Curse of the Mambino'—after New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani hugged the team’s mascot, Mr. Met. He also criticised the Mets for failing to live up to expectations despite their high payroll.
Syndergaard’s journey from elite pitcher to injury-plagued veteran highlights both his talent and the challenges he faced. His career now stands as a mix of brilliance on the mound and frustration with the team’s direction. The Mets, meanwhile, continue to grapple with underperformance despite their financial advantages.
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