A game-changer, perhaps.
On Thursday, ESPN's Buster Olney said the Mets reportedly "want to move" star pitcher Noah Syndergaard. This could change things for the Madison Bumgarner sweepstakes:
Rival evaluators say they believe the Mets are fully intent on dealing Noah Syndergaard before the trade deadline. "It's beyond listening," said one. "They want to move him."— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 25, 2019
This comes on the heels of Wednesday's tweet from Olney that the Mets reportedly were seriously listening on Thor's possibilities ... it's become more serious than that.
The trade candidates in the pitcher's pond is of a small selection. It's even smaller from a starter's perspective with Blue Jays' Marcus Stroman and Indians' Trevor Bauer being added to that group of big names in trade talks.
But that's about it.
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I know what you're thinking -- those Syndergaard numbers don't match up with MadBum's, and sure, you'd be right.
In Syndergaard's last five starts, he's 3-2 with a 3.69 ERA -- 33 strikeouts in 31.2 frames.
Bumgarner's numbers ... well, in his last five he's boasting a 1.80 ERA with a 4-1 record; 30 strikeouts in as many innings. And there is another report from MLB.com's Mark Feinsand saying the team could become buyers at the deadline -- especially if they're in the wild-card chase.
*Sigh*
[RELATED: Don't count the A's out pursuing Syndergaard]
We all know Bumgarner thrives during October baseball, but if Syndergaard gets the change of scenery away from the Mets, he could become the guy we're used to seeing on the mound.
Nevertheless, knowing he's now more seriously on the market could make for an even more interesting deadline.
