Noah Syndergaard's main focus at this point is getting back to a major-league mound, a location he hasn't occupied in a competitive role since 2019.
But in a few short weeks, the righty's attention will have to also turn towards his future, as he is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.
Syndergaard, who pitched in his first rehab outing on Thursday night as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery, wants to get back to big-league action before he thinks about his future, but that uncertain future isn't something that he can completely ignore.
"That's definitely been in my mind, but all I'm really focused on right now is rehabbing and getting back on the mound," Syndergaard said after pitching one inning with Class-A Brooklyn on Thursday. "I really haven't focused on free agency or where I'll be next season."
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Syndergaard's one-year, $9.7 million deal is up at the end of the season, which is just over a month away as it looks more and more like the Mets will once again fall short of a playoff berth. But the 28-year-old made it clear on Thursday that he wants to remain where he is, and continue to pitch for the only club he has known since breaking into the big leagues in 2015.
"I can't imagine leaving New York or leaving the Mets," Syndergaard said. "I love the culture that New York has to offer, the grit and nasty and all the hard work of citizens and the fans."
Syndergaard has pitched in a World Series with the Mets and earned an All-Star selection, and while his recent years haven't carried on the promise he had earlier in his career, he hopes to be able to stick around to recapture his previous success.
"It's definitely been a special place for me, ever since 2015, that special run," Syndergaard said. "That will be forever engrained in me. It was the best time of my life, and I really want to get back to that, to that moment."
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