Former All-Star Starting Pitcher Reportedly Drawing Interest From Padres This Winter
The San Diego Padres starting rotation is quite inexperienced after Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove. They did receive a few solid arms in their trade of Juan Soto to the New York Yankees, but none have massive experience in the league.
Even Michael King, the main piece in the Soto deal, just threw over 100 innings for the first time in his career. San Diego seems to need at least one more veteran arm, and they may have found their target.
According to Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune, the Padres have shown interest in former All-Star pitcher Noah Syndergaard. He mentions Michael Lorenzen as well as an option.
"Signing one of the journeyman starters in which they have shown interest — such as Michael Lorenzen or Noah Syndergaard — could help fill the gap."
Syndergaard spent the first half of last season with the rival Los Angeles Dodgers, posting an ERA of 7.16 over 12 appearances. It was a very disappointing season for the veteran right-hander, and Los Angeles ended up moving him to the Cleveland Guardians at the trade deadline.
He didn't fare any better with Cleveland, posting an ERA of 5.40 over six starts. The Padres likely believe they can fix something with him, and if anything, he shouldn't cost very much.
This isn't the first time that the Padres have been linked with Syndergaard this winter, and maybe another change of scenery will help Syndergaard. Like the Dodgers, San Diego has typically been solid in helping pitchers find their form again.
This could be a low-cost, potentially high-reward type of move for the Friars. The front office knows what they are doing, and maybe Syndergaard can reclaim his powers while wearing a San Diego uniform.
