If that sounds arrogant, Syndergaard has earned his chance to be a little brash. Named the Mets' Opening Day starter way back in February, Syndergaard reached rarified air last season, finishing eighth in NL Cy Young Award voting with a 14-9 record, a 2.60 ERA and 218 strikeouts. He led all starting pitchers in average fastball and slider velocity, according to Statcast™. He made his first All-Star team.
In short, a year after telling the Royals that they could meet him 60 feet, six inches away from home plate, Syndergaard backed up his bravado with one of the best seasons of any Mets starter in history.