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MLB 2017: Top 10 starting pitchers

By Joshua Sadlock

Jun 15, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) throws during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) throws during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 27, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) throws a pitch during the first inning against Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) throws a pitch during the first inning against Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Noah Syndergaard, New York Mets

He may have just completed his first full season in the big leagues, but Noah Syndergaard is more than deserving of a top-three ranking. Thor is completely redefining what is supposed to be possible for a starting pitcher in terms of sustained fastball velocity. The massive right-hander’s four-seamer fastball and sinker both averaged over 98 mph in 2016. He complimented his heat with a slider at 92 and a changeup at 90.

The combination of velocity and control at such a young age gives Syndergaard an exceedingly bright future. He struck out 218 in only 183.2 innings in 2016, and the Mets are being careful to bring him along slowly. Syndergaard has also already turned in strong work in the postseason, as he has 36 strikeouts in 26 playoff innings.

Syndergaard has the combination of velocity and sharp movement on his fastball and secondary pitches that Stephen Strasburg flashed when he entered the league. Unfortunately, Strasburg has never been able to string together a run of totally healthy seasons and has been forced to dial back his fastball. Syndergaard is a physical freak standing at 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds. He has the build to remain healthy. With the tragic passing of Jose Fernandez at only 24 years of age, the title of most exciting young pitcher in baseball is passed to a worthy arm in Noah Syndergaard.

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