Grading the LA Angels’ pre-MLB lockout signings

Noah Syndergaard - One year/$21 million

Make no mistake, Noah Syndergaard was one of the top free agent pitchers available this offseason for the LA Angels. That said, he isn’t without some major concerns as well.

Injuries have been a major issue for Syndergaard ever since he missed most of 2017 with a torn right lat muscle. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in spring 2020, he returned at the end of 2021 to pitch just two innings.

Luckily, the risk being taken here isn't too bad by virtue of Syndergaard's contract only being for one year. If he fails to bounce back it only affects the Angels for one season, but if he succeeds, that opens up the door for a long term extension for a guy who turned down better deals to come here in the first place.

Plus, there’s no denying that when “Thor” is healthy, he’s one of the best starters in baseball.

If (and that’s a big if) he can come anywhere near his productivity in 2016 (2.60 ERA, 2.29 FIP, 6.0 fWAR) he’ll be the steal of the offseason. Even his less spectacular 2019 season (4.28 ERA, 3.60 FIP, 4.3 fWAR) would rank among the best by any Angels pitcher in years. 

Grade: B