Mets, Colon finalize one-year contract
Veteran pitcher says he is open to any role in 2016
Bartolo Colon is officially returning to New York. The Mets announced Friday a one-year deal with the veteran right-hander for the 2016 season.
Colon, 42, went 14-13 with an ERA of 4.16 through 33 games (31 starts) last season, his second with New York. The former Cy Young Award winner is entering his 19th year in the Majors and has a 3.97 career ERA.
"I've had a great experience in New York," Colon said through an interpreter in a statement released by the club. "The fans are great, being part of the postseason was great. I'll do anything Terry [Collins] wants me to do this year, start or relieve. I just want to help us get back to the World Series."
To make room for Colon on the 40-man roster, the Mets designated catcher Johnny Monell for assignment.
Video: ATL@NYM: Colon gives up three runs over 6 1/3 frames
Fantasy spin | Fred Zinkie (@FredZinkieMLB)
While his pedestrian lifetime 6.8 K/9 rate should keep him off standard mixed-league draft lists in 2016, Colon will be a viable late-round option in deep mixed leagues. True, the right-hander has recorded a 1.1 HR/9 rate during his two-year stint with the Mets, but he has minimized the effects of those homers by flashing impeccable control in that span (1.2 BB/9 rate). As a result, Colon has delivered 29 wins with a respectable 1.23 WHIP since the outset of '14.