New York Mets unlikely to deal Bartolo Colon

Bartolo Colon continues to pitch well for a New York Mets team that would appear to have a significant amount of pitching depth within the organization, but the veteran hurler doesn’t seem likely to be moved at the trading deadline. Andy Martino of the New York Daily News reports that the Mets don’t view themselves as sellers and having the veteran around next season, when there are plenty of question marks facing the group of young arms, could prove to be valuable.

The 41 year old has made 15 starts for the Mets this season, throwing 100.2 IP with a 3.67 ERA and 1.152 WHIP. His 1.3 BB/9 currently leads the National League. Colon is 8-5 on the year, but over his last seven starts has gone 6-0 with a 1.58 ERA.

Having signed a two year deal with the Mets this past offseason, Colon is earning $9 Million this season and will earn $11 Million next.

Keeping a veteran arm around at what appears to be a reasonable cost, given the production he’s been giving the team, doesn’t seem like an outlandish move on its surface. New York does appear, however, to have a potential problem on their hands next season. There are simply more potential arms than roster spots. Of course, there will be injuries and underperformance that will factor into some of the team’s decision.

The Mets figure to head into next season with nine potential starting options: Colon, Zack Wheeler, Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Dillon Gee, Jon Niese, Noah Syndergaard, Rafael Montero, and Jeremy Hefner. Harvey will be coming off Tommy John surgery and Niese, at just 27, would be the most experienced member of the rotation besides Colon.

New York could likely move Colon if they wanted to, adding another young player to the organization as they seem unlikely to work their way back into contention this season. There would, however, appear to be some value in keeping an experienced veteran around to help this young group of arms.