Bartolo Colon, according to some reports, appears to be nearing an exit from the New York Mets ahead of the trade deadline but the future of the veteran right-hander is anything but clear.
The 41-year-old endured an up and down start to the campaign with some disappointing performances which have dropped his overall figures down a few pegs.
However there have been signs of a slight renaissance in his later years, as since mid-May the former Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees pitcher has started 10 games and has boasted some decent figures in the first half overall.
This recent form might give reason, if Colon is indeed set to leave the Mets, for a rival to come in and snap up an experienced player who knows the league inside out.
On the other hand if Colon does stay put with the Mets, he will not be such a bad player to keep on the roster consider his form for the team of late.
As with many things, money might well be the stumbling block in this situation, as Colon is owed $4 million for the remainder of this campaign and another $11 million next season.
At present it looks like the Mets are looking to offload Colon, who has proved that despite being somewhat ‘out of shape’ he still has something to contribute to the franchise.
But the Mets appear to be focused on the hunt for a power-hitting corner outfielder and a shortstop before the trade deadline passes.
It’s hard to know at this stage whether Colon is really a good enough bargaining chip for the Mets to use to get any worthwhile deal at the July 31st deadline and bring a fresh face or two to Citi Field.
With an abundance of players in Colon’s position, including the likes of Jonathon Niese, Zack Wheeler, Jacob deGrom and Dillon Gee, the Mets can really afford to move their veteran on to a new team.
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It would be a brave person to bet on Colon’s future destination at present, as the rumblings and speculation of his future continue.
For now it appears the Mets man will continue in the starting rotation, starting tonight in San Diego, and he will be desperate to give the supporters a strong end to the campaign.
All the while Colon will be in the shop window and undoubtedly there will be potential suitors in baseball who will be keeping a close eye on the pitcher and weighing up a potential move for the player, which could be his last stop in a career which started with the Indians all the way back in 1997.
