164 km → 151 km, 10 billion won cut in annual salary, will the Dodgers regain the old speed?
A pitcher who once threw a fastball that reached 102 miles (164 km) was predicted to become the best pitcher to dominate the major leagues in the future, but now it has long been left as an old memory.
Right-hander Noah Syndergaard (31), who joined the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of this season, earned the nickname “Thor,” the “God of Thunder,” by throwing a fastball with the highest 102 mph during his time with the New York Mets. Syndergaard, who had been thriving with the Mets, underwent surgery to sprain ligaments in his right elbow before the 2020 season and made a comeback late in the 2021 season, but his fastball average dropped to 94.4 mph (152 km) and never regained his old reputation.
Syndergaard, who eventually left the Mets after the season, pledged a fresh start by signing a contract with the Los Angeles Angels for 21 million dollars (approximately 27.2 billion won) for one year. Syndergaard, who was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies during the season, failed to regain his former speed and had to be content with a record of 10-10 with a 3.94 ERA. His average velocity on his fastball last year was 94.5 miles (152 km).메이저놀이터
Syndergaard, who came back to the free agent market, signed a contract with the Dodgers, and the contract was for 13 million dollars (approximately 16.8 billion won) for one year. In one year, his annual salary was cut by more than 10 billion won.
Syndergaard is determined to restore his old reputation with the Dodgers. On the 24th (Korean time), the official website of Major League Baseball (MLB.com) mentioned Syndergaard preparing for this season in spring training.
“Syndergaard’s 2022 season wasn’t too bad. He went 10-10 with a 3.94 ERA with the Angels and Philadelphia, but he wasn’t happy. He wanted to go back to his old Mets days,” MLB.com said. “The key for Syndergaard is getting his fastball velocity back. Last season, he averaged 94.1 mph on his four-seam fastball. According to manager Dave Roberts, Syndergaard’s velocity in his most recent bullpen pitching season was 94 mph. This suggests that when it opens, the restraint can be significantly improved.”
It’s February and the spring training period has just begun, and it’s encouraging that he’s already throwing a fast 94 mph ball. If he picks up the pace little by little and welcomes the opening of the regular season, Syndergaard’s speed is expected to gradually recover.
In fact, just because Syndergaard only recovers his velocity doesn’t guarantee he’ll replicate the excellent pitching he showed during his Mets days. ‘MLB.com’ pointed out, “Of course, velocity isn’t everything. Syndergaard is a pitcher who struggled with command last year.”
Will Syndergaard be able to regain his former skills at the Dodgers? The Dodgers are expecting Syndergaard to join the starting pitching, along with Julio Urias, Clayton Kershaw, Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin.
