According to Braves beat writer Mark Bowman of MLB.com, Bartolo Colon has agreed to a one year $12.5 million deal with the Atlanta Braves, joining former Met R.A. Dickey in their starting rotation.
Colon leaving the Mets is not a surprise, as it was previously reported they were expected to let him depart in free agency.
Colon, 43, was coming off his best year as a Met, going 15-8 with a 3.43 ERA and a 1.210 WHIP. He earned himself a trip to the 2016 All Star Game for his efforts.
Additionally, Colon hit his first ever major league home run, and he led all Major League pitchers in Defensive Runs Saved.
Overall, in his three seasons with the Mets, Colon went 44-34 with a 3.90 ERA and a 1.225 WHIP.
The Mets enter the season with Noah Syndergaard as their undisputed ace and are hoping to have Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Steven Matz and Zack Wheeler all healthy and ready to pitch by spring training according to team doctors.
They also have young right-handers Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman ready to step in if needed. Both of them impressed management last season after their second half call-ups.
It’ll be sad to see Bartolo Colon go as he was the ultimate professional, fun to watch, and a great mentor for the pitching staff. We will miss you, Big Sexy!
