Former New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard has publicly criticized the team's struggles, linking them to the political climate in New York City during an interview on OutKick's "Tomi Lahren Is Fearless" on May 12, 2026.
Why it matters: Syndergaard's comments highlight a perceived connection between the Mets' poor performance and the broader political environment in New York City, raising questions about the impact of local leadership on sports franchises.
- Syndergaard pointed out that the Mets are currently languishing at the bottom of the NL East, which he attributes to factors beyond just baseball.
- The former pitcher emphasized the importance of clubhouse culture and how it reflects the changing atmosphere in the city.
- He expressed concern over the departures of key players like Brandon Nimmo and Pete Alonso, noting their conservative backgrounds.
Driving the news: During his appearance, Syndergaard addressed the recent changes in the Mets roster, stating, "It's kind of also ironic. Those two guys are some of the biggest conservatives I've played for as well as with, with Jacob deGrom. The craziness that's going on in New York."
- He linked the cultural shift in the team to the current political climate, implying that it reflects a broader instability in the city.
- Syndergaard's tenure with the Mets spanned eight years, during which he made it to the World Series.
State of play: The Mets have struggled to justify their massive payroll, which has not translated into success on the field.
- Syndergaard criticized the franchise for failing to achieve results, stating, "Just kind of disappointed to see A) who they're inviting into their clubhouse and B) the lack of success they're having."
- He remarked, "We have a huge payroll, and it's not creating great dividends for them," highlighting the disconnect between spending and performance.
The big picture: Syndergaard's comments come at a time when the Mets are facing scrutiny over their management and direction.
- The team's struggles coincide with a turbulent political environment in New York City, characterized by a shift toward more progressive leadership.
- Syndergaard noted that the appeal of playing in New York remains strong for athletes, saying, "If I still played for the Mets or the Yankees, I'd be like, oh, this is freaking awesome."
What they're saying: Syndergaard did not hold back in his criticism of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
- He referred to Mamdani as a "lunatic" and questioned his qualifications, noting that he is 34 years old and had never held an actual job before becoming mayor.
- Syndergaard stated, "Albeit, ran by a lunatic or, I don't know. He's 34 years old ... like I'm 33 and I can't image being a mayor," expressing disbelief over Mamdani's leadership.
By the numbers: The Mets' current standing in the NL East reflects their struggles.
- As of now, the Mets are at the bottom of the division, a position that has raised eyebrows considering their high payroll.
- Syndergaard's comments resonate with fans who expect more from a franchise with such financial resources.
What's next: The Mets will need to address both their on-field performance and internal culture to turn their season around.
- Syndergaard's insights may influence discussions around the team's future direction and management decisions.
- Fans and analysts alike will follow closely closely to see if the franchise can rebound from its current state.
As the Mets continue to grapple with their identity and direction, the interplay between sports and politics in New York City remains a topic of heated discussion. Syndergaard's passionate critique serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between local governance and the performance of beloved sports teams.