A report out of the Bay Area says that 42-year-old veteran pitcher Bartolo Colon could be returning to Oakland and A’s beat reporter for CSN Joe Stiglich applauds the move.
“He makes sense as a potential target, once again, for the A’s, who have already signed free agent lefty Rich Hill but still are looking to bolster a rotation that will feature its share of inexperience.”
After a successful two-year run with the Mets, which had him leading the team in innings pitched and 14 victories in 2015, but working out of the bullpen during the postseason, Colon is not ready to retire.
The Mets expressed an interest in resigning him, but mostly to serve in a relief capacity and Colon preferred to find work as a starter.
With several big name pitchers on the market – Zack Greinke and David Price to name just two – Colon represents a bargain for a financially-conscious team seeking experience. Colon has averaged 16 wins over the past three years, so he has something left.
Another plus to a one-year deal is if Colon does produce and the A’s fall off early as they are expected, they can possibly trade him for a lower-tier prospect.
