Bartolo Colon should be sought after via trade

The reports have been out there since July: Bartolo Colon isn’t of interest to other teams via trade. Why? He’s old, he’s fat, he once tested positive for steroids. Some reports even mention his incredibly reasonable contract as a deterrent.

Now that Colon has one year left on his contract at $11 million dollars, he should be sought after by teams in need of reliable, mid-rotation starters. However, for some reason or other, Colon’s name hasn’t been attached to a single rumor.

Frankly, this makes no sense.

Yes, Colon has tested positive for steroids. So has Nelson Cruz, who is about to get an enormous payday.

Yes, Colon is old – 41 on Opening Day. The problem is that the “Colon is old” excuse holds no water. Colon has been incredibly reliable over the past four seasons, with his highest innings totals (190.1 and 202.1) coming in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

Much like the “Colon is old” excuse holds no water, nor should the “Colon is fat” excuse. Clearly, his body is not holding him back. Next…

The excuse that is the most laughable is that Colon’s contract is either unattractive or unreasonable.

When looking at this year’s free agent market for starting pitchers, a general manager has predicted the following contracts:

3 years, $30 million for Edinson Volquez.

3 years, $28 million for Jason Hammel.

2 years, $25 million for Jake Peavy.

If a team would rather acquire a starting pitcher via trade, it will cost a premium.

Teams in need of pitching who are looking at the current market for starting pitching should be lining up to acquire Colon – a pitcher who has posted FIP’s of 3.83, 3.82, 3.23, and 3.57 over the last four seasons respectively – who will cost very little in terms of talent, and who is owed just $11 million over one season.

The Mets have an excess of starting pitchers, which is why they’re interested in moving Colon. If they had a need, they’d be glad to keep him.

Although they shouldn’t have to, it would behoove the Mets to absorb $3 million or so of Colon’s contract if it comes to it in order to move him.

Up to this point, the interest in Colon has reportedly been close to non-existent. That should change. Whether or not it does remains to be seen.