Philadelphia Phillies add needed rotation piece in Noah Syndergaard
The Philadelphia Phillies had clearly defined needs heading into the trade deadline. A starting pitcher, help in the bullpen, and a viable center fielder have been needed for years, and yet nothing has worked. The Phillies kept trying, but those efforts were often the equivalent of shuffling deck chairs as the Titanic sank.
This year may be different. After adding bullpen help and a center fielder, the Phillies saved their biggest deal for last. According to Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic, they have acquired Noah Syndergaard. In exchange, Jayson Stark reported that Mickey Moniak and a prospect are heading to Los Angeles.
Noah Syndergaard gives Philadelphia Phillies what they needed
The Phillies rotation has been the same as it was in recent years. Aaron Nolan and Zack Wheeler were solid, but they needed someone to step up behind them. Syndergaard can be that piece, allowing an inconsistent Ranger Suarez to slot in as their fourth starter.
He has been solid in his first season back from Tommy John surgery. Syndergaard had posted a 3.83 ERA and a 1.213 WHiP in his 80 innings, striking out 64 batters with 22 walks. While he has not been the Thor of old, that production is certainly an upgrade over what the Phillies had in the rotation previously.
In exchange, the Angels get a player that desperately needed a change of scenery. Moniak had once been the first overall selection in the 2016 MLB Draft but has not lived up to that stature in the majors. He has a career OPS+ of 9, posting a lifetime .129/.214/.172 batting line in 105 plate appearances. His OPS+ of -3 thus far in 2022 is actually an improvement over last year, when he had an OPS+ of -5. However, at 24 years old, there is a chance that he can turn his fortunes around.
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The Philadelphia Phillies have added the final piece they needed for a playoff push. Noah Syndergaard is heading back east.