PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The Mets’ success this season will hinge, in large part, on the health of several key players, particularly in the team’s starting rotation. In managing the return of pitchers Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey, Steve Matz and Zack Wheeler from arm ailments, the Mets will undoubtedly rely on starter Noah Syndergaard, who had only minor problems last season and became the team’s workhorse.

On Sunday, when pitchers and catchers were scheduled to report to the Mets’ spring training complex, Syndergaard arrived with more bulk and lofty goals, including perhaps an unnerving one: adding more fire to his fastball, which is already one of the hardest for a starter in the major leagues.

“I’ve always wanted to throw harder and continue to make the game easier,” said Syndergaard, a right-hander who will most likely start on opening day. “Last year, from my rookie season, my velocity jumped up. I’m always going to try to raise that kind of bar. Hopefully, it allows me to go deeper into games with more ease.”

Listed at 6 feet 6 inches and 240 pounds last season, Syndergaard also looks capable of playing tight end for the Jets. In his breakout 2016 season, he was 14-9, with 218 strikeouts and a 2.60 E.R.A. (third best in the majors) in 183 ⅔ innings (a career high). He also earned his first selection to the All-Star Game.