Bartolo

Colon

That day, the Mets will be hosting the Angels, which is the team Colon pitched for from 2004-2007 and won his only American League Cy Young Award in 2005. So it’s really going to be a full-circle moment for the 50-year-old. Colon last pitched in the majors with the Rangers in 2018, but he’s remained active since then, including a stint in the Mexican League. Of course, he became a fan favorite during his time with the Mets, posting a 3.90 ERA over three seasons. He’ll wrap up his career with a 4.12 ERA and 247 career wins, which ties him for 50th all-time.

Colon has been trying to get back into MLB-affiliated ball for the last two offseasons -- and had specifically expressed a desire to play for the Mets -- but the interest was apparently one-sided. The 47-year-old last pitched in MLB with the Rangers in 2018, struggling to a 5.78 ERA and 81/25 K/BB ratio in 146 1/3 innings.

Colon said the same thing prior to last season before signing with a Mexican League team. He will turn 48 next May and hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2018 and with any level of effectiveness since 2016. So, as fun as it would be, it’s highly unlikely to happen. The odds are good that “Big Sexy” has thrown his last pitch in the big leagues.

Colon is 46 years old now and hasn’t pitched in the majors since September of 2018 with the Rangers, but he hasn’t given up hope of getting back on a major league mound. He recalls his time with the Mets from 2014-2016 as some of his fondest memories and would ideally return to New York for one final run. “If it was up to me, I would retire with the Mets,” said Colon. I would like my career to end in New York.” It’s unclear if the interest would be mutual here, but the Mets could use some pitching depth with the loss of Noah Syndergaard and the unusual situations teams will find themselves in if a season ends up being played in 2020. Stay tuned.

Colon gets to start on his usual four days rest, and Escobar gets an extra day to let a thumb blister heal.

Colon now becomes a two-start pitcher next week, facing Cleveland and Los Angeles. Mark Buehrle, scheduled to start yesterday, will go today.

Colon is eligible for free agency after the season. He said he’d like to stay with the White Sox, but it’s likely that he’ll test free agency before making any decisions. The Yankees could make him one of their top priorities this winter.

$12 million per season isn’t bad, but it’s believed that a portion of the salary was deferred. If the White Sox change that, maybe they’ll get Colon signed. However, it’s also possible Colon will hold out for an extra year to be added on.

Colon’s agent isn’t ready to give up on reaching a deal with the White Sox, but unless this is a negotiating ploy by Williams, it appears that the team is moving on. Sidney Ponson might top their list, but Kevin Millwood, Andy Pettitte and Greg Maddux could also be considered.

The Yankees have also met with Colon this week. It’s believed that the Red Sox have approached Colon’s agent, but their interest appears limited.