New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard was an All-Star in 2016. Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets’ hopes of contending once baseball starts up took a huge hit Tuesday.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, pitcher Noah Syndergaard has a torn UCL in his right elbow, and will need to undergo Tommy John surgery that will likely keep him out into 2021.

This is an awful blow for the Mets, who are losing their second-best pitcher. Even though he’s coming off a down year, Syndergaard is a former All-Star who can carry a staff. Unfortunately, health has been a major issue for him in recent seasons.

Syndergaard becomes the second big-name pitcher to need Tommy John surgery this month, despite the fact no games are being played.

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