Among the priorities for the Los Angeles Dodgers this offseason has been fortifying their starting rotation in the wake of Tyler Anderson signing with the Los Angeles Angels and Andrew Heaney joining the Texas Rangers.
The Dodgers re-signed Clayton Kershaw for the 2023 season, but still had the fifth spot in their rotation unaccounted for. The team reportedly held interest in signing Justin Verlander prior to the American League Cy Young Award winner joining the New York Mets on a record-tying contract.
That left Carlos Rodón as the top starting pitcher available in free agency, though the Dodgers were not said to be involved for the left-hander.
They instead have addressed their rotation by agreeing to sign Noah Syndergaard, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan:
Right-hander Noah Syndergaard and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a contract, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN. The 30-year-old Syndergaard is expected to join the Dodgers' starting rotation.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 14, 2022
Syndergaard’s contract with the Dodgers is for one year, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
Can confirm @JeffPassan’s report: The Dodgers have agreed to terms with Noah Syndergaard. It’s a one-year deal, a source tells The Athletic.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) December 14, 2022
Syndergaard will earn a base salary of $13 million with the Dodgers but can receive an additional $1.5 million in bonuses, via Joel Sherman of the New York Post:
Syndergaard receives 1 yr $13M from the Dodgers with a chance to make $1.5M in performance bonuses.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 14, 2022
Syndergaard went a combined 10-10 with a 3.94 ERA in 25 games (24 starts) for the Angels and Philadelphia Phillies this past season. The right-hander was moved into the Phillies bullpen for half of his four appearances during the postseason.
The former Mets All-Star has battled injuries and struggled to pitch well since a breakout campaign in 2016. Syndergaard nevertheless could become next in line for pitchers who seemingly resurrected their careers under the tutelage of Dodgers pitching coaches.
Dodgers starting rotation with Syndergaard
The Dodgers rotation heading into the 2023 season currently projects to comprise of Julio Urías, Tony Gonsolin, Kershaw, Dustin May and Syndergaard.
The team presumably will look to add more depth, with Seth Lugo among the possibilities.
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