NY Mets: 3 September storylines to follow this month

The possible returns of Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard

Two of the most anticipated returns to the diamond might take place in September. I’m not so sure either matters much, but the team isn’t going to hold either pitcher back.

First, there’s Jacob deGrom. Unavailable to come back until at least mid-month, we saw the very best of deGrom this year before landing on the IL. His return only matters because it can at least prove he has healed up fully.

At this point, unless the Mets have somehow crawled back into serious contention, it would be wiser to just let him sit this ride out.

More important might be the season debut of Noah Syndergaard. Thor hasn’t pitched since the end of 2019. Tommy John Surgery recovery hasn’t gone perfectly for the big righty hurler. A setback already this year following his rehab, Syndergaard is expected to pitch for the Mets as a reliever sometime in September.

Syndergaard’s comeback matters because of his future in Major League Baseball. Set to hit free agency this winter, the Mets need to know if he’s even worth offering a qualifying offer to. The rest of baseball will want to know if he’s worth a contract at all.

From a cynic’s standpoint, the Mets could also sell a few extra tickets if fans are aware that these two will pitch at Citi Field on a particular night.