While Noah Syndergaard is still widely considered one of the Mets' top prospects -- and the subject of a few trade rumors -- some doubt has started to develop about how good the 22-year-old right-hander can be, according to FOX Sports reporter Ken Rosenthal.
Wally Backman, who is the manager of the Mets' Triple-A affiliate, told fans last week at he Queens Baseball Convention that he considers Steven Matz the team's top pitching prospect. According to reports, Backman said Syndergaard "has the stuff to win a Cy Young," but his "command is an issue and he's slow from the stretch, but he has the stuff."
Some rival scouts and executives have also expressed concerns about Syndergaard by saying his fastball lacks movement and he projects as a power reliever.
However, not everyone seems to share the same opinion about Syndergaard, who is coming off a down season at Triple-A Las Vegas. He went 9-7 with a 4.60 ERA in 26 starts last season.
"He's still young and has aptitude and work ethic," one scout said. "Because his numbers weren't great in the (Pacific Coast League) at altitude, people want to come off him some. But I think he has a chance to be a No. 2 and at worst a good No. 3."