According to Marc Carig of Newsday, the Mets have now “stepped up their efforts” to re-sign Bartolo Colon for the 2015 season. Meanwhile, a source told ESPN’s Adam Rubin that Colon is interested in returning to the Mets as well.
Colon would serve as the fifth starter in light of the Jon Niese trade this afternoon. Colon would presumably move to the bullpen (barring injuries) in the second half, once Zack Wheeler returns from Tommy John Surgery.
Colon, 42, has posted a 4.13 ERA (86 ERA+) in two seasons with the Mets. In both years, he proved durable, making 31 starts and pitching north of 190 innings. During this span, he has struck out 6.5 batters per nine innings, but limits walks to an outstanding 1.2 per nine innings.
Due to the shortening of the rotation, Colon pitched n relief during the postseason, making three appearances and allowing three runs (two earned) in 8.2 innings. However, in his search for work this winter, he has been explicit about his desire to remain a starter. And now that Niese is gone, the window has re-opened.
