New York Mets: Bartolo Colon willing to return on minor league deal
Bartolo Colon is willing to return to the New York Mets for the 2018 campaign, even if it takes a minor league contract for him to head back to Citi Field.
The 2017 campaign was a struggle for both the New York Mets and Bartolo Colon. Colon had taken the money to depart New York, signing a $12.5 Million contract with the Atlanta Braves during the offseason. The 44 year old imploded, eventually being released and signing with the Minnesota Twins. While he pitched better in Minnesota, Colon still finished the year with 7-14 record, posting a 6.48 ERA and a 1.587 WHiP.
Meanwhile, the Mets had their own problems in the starting rotation. Twelve different pitchers started a game for them last year, including the likes of Adam Wilk and Tommy Milone. The Mets were ravaged by injuries, with only Jacob DeGrom making more than 30 starts. New York desperately needed a veteran innings eater to help the rotation weather the storm.
Given the Mets struggles last season, Colon could be a pitcher that would make sense for them. Even in his dreadful 2017 campaign, he had 143 innings, a total that would have ranked second on the Mets last season. It also helps that Colon wants to return to New York, and is even willing to accept a minor league contract if that means he can rejoin the Mets.
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For their part, the Mets have yet to show any interest in bringing Colon back. If their rotation can return healthy for 2018, then there simply would not be a need for the 45 year old starter. With Seth Lugo, Rafael Montero, and potentially even Chris Flexen as depth for the rotation, Colon would be required only in a case of an extreme emergency.
And yet, the Mets rotation has yet to show that it can remain healthy over the course of a full season. Steven Matz and Zack Wheeler have the durability of a Faberge Egg, and Matt Harvey has not exactly inspired confidence over the past couple of years. The Mets will, in all likelihood, need their pitching depth again in 2018.
As such, signing Colon to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training would not be a bad option. If nothing else, he could serve as a mentor for those younger pitchers in AAA until such a point in time when his services are needed. Given the Mets health issues over the past couple of years, it would just be a matter of time.
Next: The return of Omar Minaya
Bartolo Colon is willing to take a minor league contract to return to the New York Mets. It may not be a bad idea for the Mets to consider that option.