Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Noah Syndergaard is making headlines for all the wrong reasons, drawing sharp criticism after publicly backing President Donald Trump and taking aim at New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The right-hander, who started 12 games for the Dodgers in 2023, recently visited the White House to promote Trump's reinstatement of the Presidential Fitness Test—and the encounter has sparked a firestorm of debate.
Syndergaard, widely known by his nickname "Thor" thanks to his long blond locks and imposing presence, seemed to hit it off with the former president. Trump even joked about the pitcher's appearance in the Oval Office, saying, "Professional baseball pitcher, Noah Syndergaard, sometimes known as Thor, and he looks like Thor to me. That is a man that I wouldn't want to get in a fight with."
The pitcher, who has been a self-proclaimed Trump fan for years, didn't hold back his admiration. "It's like a dream come true. I'm riding on bliss in this interview with you right now," Syndergaard said. "I don't understand the negativity he gets. He cares so much about everybody."
In an interview with Fox News' "The Ingraham Angle," Syndergaard elaborated, praising Trump's energy and sharpness. "I just really don't quite understand the negativity or the pessimism he gets with 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 just the health of this nation and the health of this world. He's just a joy to be around."
But the controversy didn't stop there. Appearing on OutKick's "Tami Lahren is Fearless," Syndergaard was asked about his former team, the New York Mets—where Lahren's husband, J.P. Arencibia, serves as catching coach. Despite boasting the biggest total payroll in baseball, the Mets are struggling at 16-25, sitting 12.5 games out of the National League East lead. Syndergaard had a pointed suggestion for his old squad: "Stop hanging out with socialist mayors, I guess, probably."
That comment was a direct jab at Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who visited the Mets last month and has since been dubbed "Mayor" by critics. The remark has only added fuel to the fire, with fans and analysts alike questioning whether Syndergaard's political commentary is overshadowing his baseball legacy. Whether you agree with his views or not, one thing is clear: Thor is swinging hard—and not just on the mound.