On Tuesday, Assistant GM John Ricco spoke with reporters and said that while Bartolo Colon would like to return to the Mets, he will first look for an opportunity to start before considering a role as a reliever.
“From what I understand, he is interested in coming back,” Ricco explained. “But he’s going to go out on the market and look and see. I would imagine he prefers to be a starter. While he might be open to relieving, that might be a secondary thing for him. We haven’t had any detailed conversations.” (Adam Rubin, ESPN NY)
Last week, Sandy Alderson said the team had not ruled out the possibility of re-signing the veteran right hander.
“He proved in the postseason that he can pitch out of the pen,” Alderson said. “Whether he would do that on a full-time basis, or be a swing man/middle guy, or even step into the rotation in the event of injuries, I think we’re still open-minded about the possibility of Bartolo.”
Colon, 42, won 14 games for the Mets this season with a 4.16 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 31 starts. He struck out 136 batters in 194.2 innings pitched while walking just 24 batters – good enough for the lowest walk rate in the National League.
Colon was also a key piece in the bullpen during the playoffs, posting a 2.08 ERA and seven strikeouts in 8.2 innings pitched.
