Top Trade Packages, Landing Spots for Noah Syndergaard

The New York Mets are at a crossroads. On the one hand, they won 86 games in 2019 and could try to contend in 2020. On the other hand, they finished in third place in the National League East and might opt for a full-scale reload.

If they choose the latter, they should dangle right-hander Noah Syndergaard. He's 27 years old, posted a 3.60 FIP with 9.2 strikeouts per nine innings in a career-high 197.2 frames in 2019 and is controllable through 2021.

Most importantly, he'd net a gaggle of prospects for the Mets, who have the No. 22 farm system in the game by Bleacher Report's estimation.

With that in mind, let's examine a half-dozen suitors who'd benefit from Syndergaard's services and possess the requisite pieces to make a deal happen.

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Los Angeles Angels

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The Los Angeles Angels posted the worst starting pitcher ERA (5.64) in the American League. They also employed Mike Trout, the best baseball player on the planet, and finished a distant fourth in the AL West.

The Halos have worked to rebuild their once-fallow farm system, but they need to go all-in on an elite arm before Trout's historic prime expires.

They could throw money at the problem and sign a free-agent ace such as Southern California native Gerrit Cole. Or, they could save cash and expend prospects in a high-level trade.

It could include 20-year-old outfielder Jo Adell, who posted an .834 OPS while ascending to Triple-A, as well as a high-ceiling arm such as hard-throwing 21-year-old Jose Soriano.

That would be a steep cost, but it'd be worth it to bring Thor to Anaheim.

Houston Astros

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Whether or not they come back from a 2-0 deficit to win the World Series, the Houston Astros are in a win-now window.

They could lose Cole to free agency and should brace for a decline from Justin Verlander, who's entering his age-37 season.

MLB.com's Jon Morosi reported that "some within the Astros organization are intrigued by the possibility of acquiring Syndergaard," who is a Texas native.

In exchange, the Astros could offer 22-year-old outfielder Kyle Tucker, who is blocked on the short-term depth chart by the trio of Michael Brantley, George Springer and Josh Reddick, as well as powerful rookie Yordan Alvarez.

Toss in a projectable hurler such as 22-year-old righty Bryan Abreu, and you could have a match.

New York Yankees

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New York Yankees starting pitchers finished 15th with a 4.51 ERA in 2019. Later, the club was dumped in the ALCS.

If they're serious about raising their 28th championship banner next season, the Yanks need to strengthen their starting corps.

Assuming the Mets are willing to deal with their in-state counterparts, the Yankees could offer 20-year-old righty Deivi Garcia and 21-year-old outfielder Estevan Florial.

It would significantly ding their farm system, but Syndergaard in pinstripes might be too enticing to resist.

San Diego Padres

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The San Diego Padres finished 18th with a 4.60 ERA despite playing in a pitchers' park. If they hope to leapfrog the San Francisco Giants, Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks and challenge the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West, they need to up their game.

As MLB.com's Jon Morosi reported in July, San Diego "has been looking for [a] veteran starter since the offseason" and "have inquired" about Syndergaard.

Translation: There's mutual interest.

It might mean giving up 22-year-old middle infielder Luis Urias, who is a potential second baseman of the future, plus a pitcher such as 19-year-old right-hander Luis Patino.

If so, the Friars would be surrendering a lot. But they'd be gaining as much or more in return.

Milwaukee Brewers

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The Milwaukee Brewers made it to the NL Wild Card Game in 2019 yet their starting staff posted a 14th-ranked 4.40 ERA.

The Brew Crew need a top-tier arm to get deeper into the postseason. 

They could go the free-agency route, or they could try for a trade. If they opt for a swap, they could make a play for Syndergaard, based on interest previously reported by Morosi. 

A package of 19-year-old infielder Brice Turang and outfielder Corey Ray ought to pique New York's interest and would give the Brewers the difference-making starter they desire.

Atlanta Braves

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The Atlanta Braves won the NL East for a second straight season yet were once again bounced in the division series. They could use pitching, especially an established ace.

Cue Syndergaard.

Atlanta would likely need to part with sterling 21-year-old prospect Ian Anderson, who struck out 172 in 135.1 innings between Double-A and Triple-A this season, and another blue chip such as 21-year-old toolsy catcher Shea Langeliers.

It'd be a worthwhile sacrifice for the Braves and a fine haul for the Mets.

All statistics courtesy of Baseball Reference.