I was a few beers into my Saturday evening when I saw the report, so I’m gonna keep this relatively brief. But I did want to share, because I think it’s pretty important.
After the yo-yo’ing in reports, it seems the Mets will indeed make Noah Syndergaard (and Michael Conforto) a qualifying offer tomorrow. Er, actually, strike that verbiage – they’ve officially made the offers:
We have extended a qualifying offer to outfielder Michael Conforto and RHP Noah Syndergaard. #Mets pic.twitter.com/6qLHp5OQbJ
— New York Mets (@Mets) November 6, 2021
I have really been into Syndergaard as a hoped-for Cubs free agent target, and I won’t rehash the reasons right now. If Syndergaard accepts the $18.4 million one-year offer at some point over the next ten days, then none of it matters anyway. And if he rejects the offer, then signing him – coming off two mostly lost years – would cost the Cubs their (high) second round pick, the bonus pool space associated with that pick, and $500,000 in IFA money. Unless they felt he was a lock to return to form and could get him on a three or four-year deal at a compelling rate, then I don’t see them giving up the draft pick cost for a very short-term deal.
I’m also not sure Syndergaard, 29, is going to see a better offer out there than this opportunity to stay in the only place he knows for one year and $18.4 million, and give himself a chance to hit the market healthy next offseason.
Dang. I am bummed.