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Merriam-Webster defines the Midas touch as:

New Dodgers right-hander Noah Syndergaard defines it as: ‘The Los Angeles Dodgers.’

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During his introductory (Zoom) press conference on Monday afternoon, the 30-year-old Mansfield, TX native and first-round draft pick in 2010 by the Toronto Blue Jays out of Legacy High School in Mansfield, TX – who the Dodgers signed as a free agent this past Friday – was asked why he chose the Dodgers over other teams, including several who had offered him more money and/or more years than the one-year/$13 million that the Dodgers had offered him, which he and his agents (CAA Sports) accepted.

“I feel like everything that they touch turns to gold,” Syndergaard answered matter-of-factly. “This is a pretty surreal moment. It’s been my dream ever since I was first introduced to Dodger Stadium. … I just feel really fortunate and blessed to play for such a great organization.”

For Dodgers fans who (painfully) remember, ‘Thor’ (as Syndergaard is affectionately known) “was first introduced to Dodger Stadium” on May 11, 2016, then with the New York Mets. In addition to his excellent eight innings pitched, during which he allowed only two runs on six hits while striking out six and walking one, he also homered … twice.

Granted, with the designated rule now in play in the National League, we (probably) won’t see Syndergaard even pick up a bat again. But during his (thus far) seven Major League seasons, Thor owns a career slash line of .153/.206/.266/.472, with seven doubles, no triples, 15 RBIs, and six home runs.

Then again, who’s to say that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts won’t use Syndergaard as his DH or to pinch-hit in a pinch, right?

Welcome to the Dodgers – and back to Dodger Stadium – Thor!

Play Ball!

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