The Top Ten
- RHP Noah Syndergaard
- LHP Steven Matz
- OF Brandon Nimmo
- SS Amed Rosario
- C Kevin Plawecki
- 2B Dilson Herrera
- RHP Marcos Molina
- 1B Dominic Smith
- OF Michael Conforto
- 3B Jhoan Urena
1. Noah Syndergaard
Position: RHP
DOB: 08/29/1992
Height/Weight: 6’6” 240 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/R
Drafted/Acquired: 1st round, 2010 draft, Legacy HS (Mansfield, TX)
Previous Ranking: #1 (Org), #11 (Top 101)
2014 Stats: 4.60 ERA (133 IP, 154 H, 145 K, 43 BB) at Triple-A Las Vegas
The Tools: 8 FB; 6+ potential CH; 7 potential CB
What Happened in 2014: Syndergaard proved to be mortal in Triple-A, giving up 154 hits in 133 innings, but still fanned more than a batter an inning.
Strengths: Excellent size; uses frame to advantage; downhill thrower; elite fastball; routinely works mid-to-high 90s, with arm-side life; can overpower with offering; strong feel for curve; throws with a loose wrist; stays on top of pitch to create deep, downward break; already a mature piece of arsenal (present plus); will miss bats at highest level; change shows guise to fastball; throws with similar arm speed and angle; fades arm side aggressively; room for more growth; very athletic for size; projection for command improvement.
Weaknesses: Command presently more of the area variety; needs to throw quality strikes more often; falls into ruts of working elevated and in challenge mode; still learning the ins and outs of craft; at times wraps with curveball and will roll; change can be on the firm side and lack enough separation
Overall Future Potential: 7; no. 2 starter
Realistic Role: High 6; no. 2/3 starter
Risk Factor/Injury History: Low; 133 innings at Triple-A; further command polishing.
Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: The big right-hander will enter 2015 as the top fantasy pitching prospect in baseball, and if he’s being undervalued due to his struggles during the first half of 2014, this may be the best time to deal for him. He has the makings of a lower-tier fantasy ace who can support strong ratios and 200-plus strikeouts.
The Year Ahead: After a rapid rise into the upper minors, Syndergaard experienced growing pains last year. Not that uncommon really, but for a player with lofty expectations it can cause some ripples. The stuff here is absolutely legit. The big right-hander is a classic power pitcher, with an explosive, high-octane fastball that can blow away hitters and the type of curveball to leave heads shaking. Add in a progressing changeup and it’s almost unfair. This is a monster in the making. The command and mindset are where the growth needs to occur to reach his frontline potential. Syndergaard fills the zone with strikes, but throws too many meaty ones and likes to pitch more north than south with his fastball. Reports from later in the year indicated the 22-year-old was adjusting and it is expected that will continue. Getting whacked around consistently is usually humbling. With some finishing touches, Syndergaard gives the Mets another power arm towards the front of their rotation, and a glimpse of what the long-term production can look like should come in 2015.
Major league ETA: 2015
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