NEW YORK (AP) Fan favorite Bartolo Colon and the Mets finalized a $7.25 million, one-year contract that will keep the pitcher in New York for a third year.
”I’ve had a great experience in New York,” Colon said through a translator. ”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”
The 42-year-old right-hander was 14-13 with a 4.16 ERA in 31 starts and two relief appearances this year, then had a 2.08 ERA in seven relief appearances during the postseason.
On Sept. 5 against Miami, he became the oldest Mets pitcher to throw a shutout and the oldest in the major leagues since Jamie Moyer in May 2010.
The news of Colon’s return made at least one teammate very happy.
”I rely on him for so much,” said Jeurys Familia, who tied the club record with 43 saves this year. ”I try to talk to him every day, whether it is in the clubhouse or during batting practice. I’m glad he’s back with us again.”
Colon is 218-154 in the major leagues, including 29-26 with the Mets. The 2005 AL Cy Young Award winner figures to be the grand old man of New York’s rotation for the first half of the season, joining Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz until Zack Wheeler returns from Tommy John surgery.
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