While not the least bit surprising, the New York Mets have made it publicly-known that starter Bartolo Colon is available. ESPN’s Adam Rubin reported that Mets sources told ESPN about Colon’s availability, but there is nothing definite at this time. There are also no teams who have asked about him yet, but as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approaches, teams will likely start calling.
Colon’s season
Colon is 8-8 with a 3.99 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 18 starts. He was especially good in June: 4-1, 2.57 ERA, 0.98 WHIP. That does mean, though, that his three other months (April, 4.50 ERA; May, 4.96; and July, 4.80) have not gone so well. He has fared far better at pitcher-friendly Citi Field (4-4, 2.81) than he has on the road (4-4, 5.06). He is in the first of a two-year, $20 million contract. That second year could hinder a move of the 41-year-old hurler.
What Colon may bring
Although Colon may no longer be an ace, he does bring some quality to a contender looking for an extra starting pitcher. First, he helps save a bullpen. He has pitched 121.2 innings, an average of 6.2 innings per start, well into the seventh. With today’s specialized bullpens, this is a good deal.
Next, he has pennant race and postseason experience. Colon has pitched in seven postseason series, making 10 starts. His record is just 2-4, but his ERA of 3.70 and WHIP of 1.39 are more than respectable. He made one start for Oakland in the 2013 ALDS and allowed three first-inning runs in six innings to Detroit, but he took the loss. While Colon may not become an impact pitcher during the postseason, he could certainly help a team get there in the first place.
Teams in need
While every team could use starting pitching, those already in first place in their divisions have solid rotations. Contenders more in need include the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and Cleveland Indians. The Yankees have lost four of their five Opening Day starters, including CC Sabathia and Masahiro Tanaka. They have a rotation ERA of 4.00, 20th in the Majors. Cleveland ranks 26th at 4.49, and Toronto is 16th at 3.90. New York just acquired Brandon McCarthy, and Colon, who pitched for the division-winning Yankees in 2011, would help with experienced leadership in a now young and less-experienced rotation.
What the Mets would want
Rubin stated that the Mets would want “an upgrade at shortstop over Ruben Tejada” and/or a power-hitting left fielder. General managers may not want to give up their best prospects for Colon, but if they want him, they will have to offer something in return. Colon is available, and teams will likely begin asking about him when or soon after play resumes on Friday, July 18. A trade is not promised, but it could easily happen.
PHOTO CREDIT: New York Mets, mets.mlb.com