Mets: Three Noah Syndergaard predictions for the 2020 season

Noah Syndergaard had a down season last year for the New York Mets, but there is reason to believe he can bounce back in 2020. Here is what I predict for Thor in the 2020 season.

This past season was not kind to New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard as he struggled for the first time in his career. Between physically struggling on the mound in his worst season to date and getting caught up in who he wants to catch his games, it was not a pretty year for Thor.

Although Syndergaard was healthy the entire season and recorded his most games started and most innings logged, he struggled to a 4.28 ERA. That is not a terrible ERA by any means, but for a guy who is expected to be the second ace behind Jacob deGrom, it is not good enough.

Still under contract for the next two seasons, Syndergaard needs to prove he can stay healthy and that he is the dominant pitcher he was before the 2019 campaign. I expect big things from Syndergaard in 2020, as he should have a little extra motivation in him to prove he can stay healthy for a second straight year and that last year was a fluke statistically.

Thor’s Second All-Star Selection

In his second season back in 2016, Thor was elected to his first All-Star team and I see him adding his second nod this season. Coming off a somewhat disappointing 2019 season, Syndergaard will have all that much more fire under him to prove what he is capable of.

Similar to his 2017 season, I see Syndergaard coming out of the gate hard, but this time staying healthy and being elected to the midsummer classic. I expect Thor to have an ERA in the low to mid 2.00s by the All-Star game and towards the top of the league in strikeouts.

Throughout his career, he has been very effective in May and July, while also being pretty decent in April and March. If he can work out the kinks he has in June that is all the more reason to see him represent the Mets in the midsummer classic.

With every MLB team getting at least one player elected to the All-Star game, Syndergaard automatically has a 3.8% chance to be elected with 26 guys on the team.

On a serious note, Syndergaard does have a good chance to be elected as deGrom is the only guy who is almost an automatic to make it from the Mets. Looking at the rest of the starting pitching in the league and seeing some guys sign or be traded to the AL, and others start to fall off in their career, Syndergaard could make a jump and snag a spot on the All-Star roster.