Report: Mets, Bartolo Colon Agree To 1-Year, $7.25 Million Deal
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Big Sexy is coming back to Queens.
According to multiple reports, the Mets and pitcher Bartolo Colon have agreed to a one-year, $7.25 million contract.
colon agrees to sign back with mets. $7.25M. initial reports came from the DR
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 16, 2015
Sources: #Mets in agreement with Bartolo Colon on one-year, $7.25M contract, pending physical. Initial reports of deal came from DR.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 16, 2015
CBSSports.com/WFAN baseball insider Jon Heyman and Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal report that the 42-year-old turned down more money to return to the Mets.
colon had a higher offer but enjoyed being a met. he brings experience, smarts to young staff (also levity)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 16, 2015
Per sources, Colon had better offers from other clubs, but wanted to stay with #Mets. Loves fans, teammates, organization.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 16, 2015
The veteran signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the Mets in December of 2013. Over the past two years he's become a fan favorite due to his apparent agelessness, size, humorous personality and laid-back attitude.
It's also quite a treat to watch him swing the bat.
But on the mound, Colon's production has been no laughing matter. In his first season with New York, the three-time All-Star went 15-13 and walked just 30 in 202 1/3 innings.
the a's are said to have made a run at bringing bartolo colon back. cant blame 'em. good pitcher (& also entertaining)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 16, 2015
In 2015, the former Cy Young Award winner went 14-13 with a 4.16 ERA. He again showed incredible command and durability, striking out 136 and walking 24 in 194 2/3 innings.
Colon is expected to begin the season as the Mets' fifth starter, behind young aces Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz.
Bartolo, eating innings since 1997. pic.twitter.com/HpGNGMzyeK
— MLB GIFS (@MLBGIFs) December 16, 2015
When Zack Wheeler returns to action -- likely in early summer -- Colon is expected to move to the bullpen or become part of a six-man rotation. Colon pitched in relief seven times this past postseason.
Colon can also fill in if one of the Mets' starters gets hurt or needs rest.