NY Mets Free Agent Predictions: The only 3 players returning next season

Sep 4, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets center fielder Kevin Pillar (11) celebrates with New York Mets second baseman Javier Baez (23) after defeating the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets center fielder Kevin Pillar (11) celebrates with New York Mets second baseman Javier Baez (23) after defeating the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
3 of 4
Mets
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 18: Noah Syndergaard #34 of the New York Mets looks on from the bench during the game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on August 18, 2021 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Noah Syndergaard will remain with the Mets, maybe not on the qualifying offer

One of the biggest fish on the list of potential Mets free agents is Noah Syndergaard. We all want to know what the future holds for him. Syndergaard has never thrown a big league pitch for any other major league club. Is 2022 the year this all changes?

I think Syndergaard does end up back with the Mets in 2022. It might not even be via the qualifying offer. If he is extended one, I think he does accept. If not, I think he gets a lesser contract with the opportunity to prove he is back and healthy.

Syndergaard enjoys the spotlight. No city provides a bigger one than New York. Syndergaard has been successful here and a season to prove it all without having to change organizations is the best situation he could get in.

Familiarity can build contempt but it is also helpful for a guy trying to return from an injury. I suspect someone takes a chance on Syndergaard this winter and for some big bucks. The Mets, hoping they don’t let him slip away and watch from afar as he excels with another organization, should bite and give Thor at least another year in Queens. There’s no way they let themselves get Nolan Ryan’ed again, right?

Schedule