Mets not ruling out bringing back Bartolo: 'We're open-minded'
With a rotation stacked to the brim with young talent slated to return in 2016, the New York Mets don't necessarily need Bartolo Colon's services any longer – but that doesn't suggest he won't be wearing a Mets jersey again next season.
Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz, and Zack Wheeler headline the Mets' 2016 rotation, which leaves no room for Colon, but New York hasn't ruled out bringing the veteran right-hander back in 2016.
"I think we're open-minded about Bartolo's possible return," general manager Sandy Alderson said. "He proved in the postseason that he could pitch out of the [bullpen]. Whether he would do that on a full-time basis or be a swing man, middle guy or even step in the rotation in the place of injuries, we're still open-minded about Bartolo."
In his 18th major-league season and second with the Mets, Colon posted a 14-13 record with a 4.16 ERA, 136 strikeouts, and 24 walks in 194 2/3 innings.
The ever-versatile Colon proved that age is just a number when the 42-year-old righty dominated in a relief role this postseason, posting a 2.08 ERA with seven strikeouts in 8 2/3 innings.
Slated to turn 43 next May, Colon said he'll keep playing as long as teams still want him.
"I just take it year to year," he said recently. "If the opportunity presents itself and I want to keep playing, I'll continue to do that."
