Earlier in the day, the Phillies broke the ice with the Los Angeles Angels by trading for centerfielder Brandon Marsh. The team went for a double dip, acquiring Noah Syndergaard just 10 minutes before the 6PM deadline.
https://twitter.com/jaysonst/status/1554585539042578432
Noah Syndergaard is a Phillie
Thor would replace Bailey Falter in the rotation who is replacing the injured Zach Eflin. Thor has a 3.83 ERA this season after being out with Tommy John for almost 2 years.
Long gone are the days of Thor pumping 97-98 MPH. He now operates closer to around 94 MPH. His strikeout rate has also been at the lowest of his career (thanks to the lacking fastball) at 7.2 K/9.
The Phillies didn't give up much to acquire the rental starter. They are sending former #1 overall draft pick Mickey Moniak and Jadiel Sanchez.
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How Noah Syndergaard impacts the Phillies
Moniak was hitting just .130 in 18 major league games this season. He's been much better in the minors, slashing .310/.364/.560 in 28 games. Sanchez was hitting .236 with a .714 OPS at Single-A Clearwater at the time of the trade.
The addition of Thor should help solidify the Phillies' rotation. Bailey Falter had a 4.85 ERA in 11 appearances this season. Syndergaard's ERA is a run better and will provide a veteran presence.
Perhaps the most exciting prospect will be when the Phillies face the Mets twice in the next 2 weeks. Thor was quite vocal about the Mets' front office and could have a revenge game or two in store. He'll also reunite with former teammate Zack Wheeler. The Phillies now have half of the Mets' young stud rotation from the mid-2010s. Matt Harvey is MIA and Jacob deGrom is just returning from injury.
The Phillies now feature Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Noah Syndergaard as the top 3 pitchers of their starting staff. Let the playoff hunt begin.
Photo Credit: Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire
