According to multiple outlets the New York Mets have indeed reached out to the agent for now free agent Bartolo Colon. However, other teams are expected to show interest and no deal is imminent.
If the Mets were to sign Colon they would only be on the hook for a pro-rated major league minimum with the Atlanta Braves still footing the large portion of the $12.5 million contract he signed this offseason.
Bart would give the Mets rotation insurance with Robert Gsellman, Matt Harvey and Noah Syndergaard on the disabled list. He would also provide them with a longman in the bullpen.
Previous Update: July 6
Right-handed veteran Bartolo Colon cleared waivers as expected and has been released by the Atlanta Braves. He is now a free agent and the Braves are on the hook for the $12.5 million they signed him for this offseason minus the prorated league minimum assuming he signs with a new team.
It’s been widely reported that the Mets are expected to at least show interest in Colon despite his rough season.
Colon, 44, went 2-8 with a 8.14 ERA, 1.778 WHIP and 5.07 FIP in 13 starts spanning 63 innings for the Braves in 2017.
Original Post – June 29
The Atlanta Braves have designated veteran right-handed starter Bartolo Colon for assignment.
Colon, 44, signed a one-year, $12.5 million deal with the Braves this past offseason after spending the previous three seasons for the Mets.
Colon has been one of the worst starters in the majors this year going 2-8 with a 8.14 ERA, 1.778 WHIP and is allowing 13.1 H/9. The 8.14 ERA is worst in the majors among qualified starters.
The fan favorite in New York went 44-34 with a 3.90 ERA in 588 innings with the Mets from 2014-2016 and pitched in seven playoff games during their 2015 playoff run.
The Mets starting rotation has been a mess this year with a 4.97 ERA, good for third worst in the majors. They also just placed Robert Gsellman on the disabled list where he joins Matt Harvey, Noah Syndergaard and Zack Wheeler.
