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Syndergaard: Baseball has 'gotten soft,' needs more 'shit-talking'

Rich Schultz / Getty Images Sport / Getty

New York Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard believes bat flips and Twitter drama will help make baseball more entertaining.

"It's fun, but we're also competitive beings competing at the highest level. So we're always looking for a way to get the edge on our competition, whether it's to distract him in some form or fashion," Syndergaard told GQ's Clay Skipper when asked about the recent Twitter drama involving Trevor Bauer and Fernando Tatis Jr. "But I think it's great for baseball, and I think the fans really enjoy it. It's exciting. People are able to see both of our personalities.

"I think baseball has gotten soft, too. I think there should be some more shit-talking. I agree with what Bauer recently said (about the celebration). He gave up two home runs to Tatis, and Tatis heckled him pretty good. I think that's awesome. I agree with Bauer, that does not warrant somebody to get thrown at."

Syndergaard said baseball's "unwritten rules" - which suggest a pitcher can throw at a batter for celebrating a home run - are dated.

"I think they're pretty stupid, to be honest," he said. "Anything unwritten sounds pretty stupid. I think it's very old school, and I think there needs to be a new-school approach."

The 28-year-old has never shied away from exchanges like the one between Bauer and Tatis. He was involved in some Twitter drama of his own with the former in February after Bauer signed a free-agent deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers instead of joining the Mets.

He also shared a video earlier this year in which he called out MLB.TV's blackout restrictions and referred to Pittsburgh's baseball team as the "shitty Pirates."

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