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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
