Noah Syndergaard trade grade: Who won the Angels and Phillies deal?
Phillies #Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Angels were trade partners earlier on Tuesday, but their biggest splash came right as closing time was being called at the 2022 MLB trade deadline.
On Tuesday, the Angels sent 29-year-old pitcher Noah Syndergaard to the Phillies in a race that came down to Philadelphia and the Toronto Blue Jays. Los Angeles moved their rebuild ahead at the MLB trade deadline, dealing away some big pieces as their spiral down the AL West standings continues.
The Phillies, meanwhile, were active at the trade deadline, adding Brandon Marsh, David Robertson, and Syndergaard while designating for assignment Jeurys Familia and Odubel Herrera. Let’s take a look at how each of these teams grade out on this one!
Phillies grade: B+
Syndergaard is a real solid addition to the middle of the Phillies pitching rotation behind Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. Though Syndergaard may not be the pitcher he once was with the Mets (5-8 record with a 3.83 ERA in 80 innings pitched), he’s an immediate upgrade upon the rest of the Phillies starters.
Of course, Syndergaard will have to stay healthy after missing two seasons thanks to Tommy John surgery and setbacks from it. Syndergaard also will be a UFA at the end of the 2022 season when his one-year, $21 million contract expires.
At the end of the day, however, the Phillies upgraded at a position of need for very little cost.
Angels grade: D
A former No. 1 overall pick, Moniak is looking for a fresh start after an unfortunate injury ahead of opening day curtailed his hot spring training this season. The 24-year-old shows promise but needs to translate it to the MLB level.
As for Sanchez, the outfielder isn’t much to write home about after being drafted in the 12th round (360th overall) by the Phillies in 2019. The Angels are rebuilding, yes, but it’s clear their opponents got the better end of the deal here.