Blue Jays: Is Mitch White an upgrade over Noah Syndergaard?

The trade deadline is over. Blue Jays made some solid moves, but in many people’s eyes, their trade options were dissatisfactory. People are not entirely sold on Whit Merrifield yet; some fans wanted the Jays to go after relief pitching, a left-handed bat, and even a starter like Noah Syndergaard. Mitch White is now a member of the Jays after the front office made a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

While many wanted the former Jays’ top prospect, who eventually was traded to Philadelphia, looking at the overall trade, is Mitch White actually an upgrade over Noah Syndergaard?

The answer is yes. Why?

White has played multiple roles with the Los Angeles Dodgers for two seasons. He reminds me of Ross Stripling in that regard, almost a carbon copy. The right-hander is helpful as a swingman; he started in 10 of his 15 games this year. He has a 3.70 ERA, 47 strikeouts, and allowed 19 walks in 56 innings.

White is also in the prime of his career. He’s 27 years old and is under contract through 2027. He gives the Jays more depth in the rotation. The trade is an asset, not a liability. He could be the replacement for Yusei Kikuchi if he continues to struggle on the mound. White is not a strikeout machine pitcher, but he does a solid, hard-hitting contact. I like his stuff. He has a five-pitch arsenal: a fastball, slider, curveball, sinker and a changeup.

After the trade deadline, the Blue Jays ended up with Dodgers pitcher Mitch White over Angels starter Noah Syndergaard. Who made the better move?

Now, let’s focus on Thor. He’s the newest member of the Philadelphia Phillies. Jays fans will not forget that he was initially part of this team before he got traded to the Mets and became a fan favourite in New York. They wanted him in Toronto, but it didn’t happen. We love Noah Syndergaard, but he hasn’t been the same pitcher since 2016, the same year he made the All-Star team. We’re talking about a guy who struck out 200 batters in one season before 25.

Unfortunately, from 2017 through 2020, it’s been a misery for the right-hander. Syndergaard has dealt with injuries and Illness. When healthy, we know what he’s capable of doing. He’s still in his prime, 29 years old, but the Blue Jays made the right move not to pull the trigger on him because of his durability. Only time will tell if this situation will work out in their favour.

Through 16 games, Noah Syndergaard posted a 6-8 record with a 4.02 ERA with 66 strikeouts and in his first start with the Phillies, he gave up four earned runs off 11 hits with just two strikeouts through 5.0 innings. White made his Blu06 Jays debut on Saturday against Minnesota and went 4.2 innings, allowing three earned runs off six hits with two strikeouts.