New York Mets have made Bartolo Colon available

While rumors have swirled for the past few weeks about his potential availability, the New York Mets have formally let teams know that right-hander Bartolo Colon is available via trade. ESPN New York’s Adam Rubin related the news on Monday, noting that the club has yet to begin any serious discussions regarding Colon with another organization.

New York initially signed the veteran to a two year deal this past winter. He’s earning $9 Million this season (of which he’s still owed roughly $3.75 Million) and will make $11 Million next year. It’s a relatively affordable sum given the level of production he’s been supplying to date, suggesting that Colon could potentially appeal to a playoff contender looking to upgrade their rotation for the stretch run.

The Mets have developed more confidence in their current crop of pitchers, potentially explaining the turnaround as just two weeks ago they were believed to be unlikely to move Colon.

Jonathan Niese is about to return from the disabled list and Jacob deGrom has stepped up in his last few outings. Joining the pair with Zack Wheeler, Dillon Gee, Matt Harvey, Rafael Montero, and Noah Syndergaard and there is some belief that the team will have enough pitching to get by next season. They could always bring in a veteran on a low cost deal in the winter as well, just to provide some added depth and leadership.