Noah Syndergaard never shied away from throwing heat on the mound, and it turns out he's just as fearless when it comes to speaking his mind off the field. The former MLB All-Star, who once dominated hitters with a 2.60 ERA for the New York Mets, recently took a swing at the president's critics during a trip to the White House.
The 33-year-old right-hander was in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday to celebrate the return of the Presidential Fitness Test, an event that brought together athletes from various sports. For Syndergaard, who last pitched in the majors in 2023 with the Cleveland Guardians, it was a chance to step back into the spotlight—but not for baseball.
In an interview with FOX's Laura Ingraham, Syndergaard didn't hold back. 'It's a dream come true, I'm riding this bliss in this moment,' he said, but quickly turned his attention to the broader political narrative. 'I really just don't quite understand the negativity or the pessimism he gets from the media and some of the population of this nation because he's just such a patriotic guy, and he cares so much about everybody and the health of this nation and the health of this world.'
Syndergaard's comments come at a time when political divisions in sports are as heated as ever. His defense of the president echoes a sentiment shared by other athletes who have publicly supported Trump, including those who've faced backlash for their views. The former pitcher's stance adds another layer to the ongoing debates over athlete activism that often dominate sports headlines.
President Trump, never one to miss a chance to engage with a star athlete, returned the favor with a lighthearted jab. As he introduced the athletes in the Oval Office, Trump joked about Syndergaard's famous nickname. 'Professional baseball pitcher, Noah Syndergaard, sometimes known as Thor, and he looks like Thor to me,' Trump said. 'That is a man that I wouldn't want to get in a fight with.' The quip drew laughter from the room, showcasing the camaraderie between the two.
Syndergaard's career has been a roller coaster since his breakout 2016 season, when he struck out 218 batters and finished eighth in Cy Young voting. Injuries and inconsistency plagued him in later years, leading to stints with the Los Angeles Angels, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Cleveland Guardians. But his passion for the game—and his willingness to engage in political discourse—remains undimmed.
The visit also highlights Trump's ongoing engagement with the sports world, from celebrating golf victories to weighing in on NFL comebacks. For Syndergaard, the moment was about more than just a photo op; it was a chance to stand up for what he believes in. 'He cares so much,' Syndergaard reiterated, emphasizing the president's dedication to national health and global well-being.
Whether or not this marks the beginning of a new chapter for Syndergaard—perhaps a return to the mound or a deeper dive into politics—remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the former pitcher known as Thor isn't afraid to swing hard, both on and off the field.
