The New York Mets are reportedly interested in a reunion with Bartolo Colon, who was a serviceable starter for them from 2014-2016.
The Atlanta Braves announced Thursday that Bartolo Colon had been designated for assignment. In a corresponding move, Rex Brothers was to be promoted from Triple-A Gwinnett.
In his twentieth major league season, the 44-year old Colon underperformed enormously in his first season in Atlanta. “Big Sexy” compiled a 2-8 record and an 8.14 ERA in 13 starts. What seemingly prompted his release was his final start as a Brave, a June 28 clunker against the Padres in which he surrendered six runs on eight hits in four innings of work.
While speculation of Colon hanging up the spikes is almost guaranteed, the New York Mets are reportedly looking to put an end to that rumor. The New York Post is citing sources that the injury-riddled Mets may be interested in a reunion with the Big Sexy.
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Colon spent 2014-2016 in Queens, New York, sporting a 44-34 record and a 3.89 ERA. He was a workhorse for manager Terry Collins, considered to be a mentor and pioneer amongst the Mets’ young guns in the rotation.
The Mets could certainly use some pitching help with their depleted and injury-prone rotation. Noah Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler, Matt Harvey, Tommy Milone and Robert Gsellman are all on the disabled list for the 35-42 Metropolitans.
Who knows if Colon would be up for a return to the Mets, or to any team really, but they do love him in New York. He received a standing ovation earlier this season when his Braves played a series at Citi Field.
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The Mets would be wise to snag Colon as a rental pitcher this year while the top dogs undergo rehab. This season looks like a lost cause for general manager Sandy Alderson and Co., and reuniting with the 2005 Cy Young Winner would do the fan base well. They could use it, anyways.
If the Mets really do intend on a homecoming with Colon, he’ll first have to clear waivers. If he does, we can only hope for more Big Sexy moments like these.