The New York Mets reportedly are putting starting pitcher Bartolo Colon on the trade block. The Mets hope to deal Colon for either a shortstop or a power-hitting outfielder, Adam Rubin of ESPN reports.
Stocked with pitchers, the Mets reportedly are open to moving Colon before the July 31 non-waiver deadline. Colon, 41, could entice a team looking for an upgrade for the middle of their rotation. The veteran is 8-8 with a 3.99 ERA so far this season, and the Mets' pitching depth wouldn't take a major hit if Colon were to leave.
"Although general manager Sandy Alderson has suggested a surplus of arms can quickly be depleted through injury, the Mets do have an excess at the position," Rubin wrote Monday. "Jonathon Niese, Zack Wheeler, Dillon Gee, Jacon deGrom all remain under the Mets' control for multiple seasons. Matt Harvey is due to return from Tommy John surgery next year. And the Mets also have highly regarded prospects Noah Syndergaard and Rafael Montero in Triple-A."
The New York Daily News also reported the Mets would likely move at least one of their pitchers before the trade deadline, likely for a player who can improve their offense.
While Bartolo is unlikely to fetch a big-name player, he could at least get the Mets an upgrade at shortstop or leftfield, two positions in which ESPN reports New York is trying to improve.
"The Mets' wish list in trades includes an upgrade at shortstop over Ruben Tejada and a power-hitting left fielder to join Juan Legares and Curtis Granderson as the primary outfielders, according to industry sources," Rubin wrote.
New York (45-50) visits the San Diego Padres on Friday; Colon is scheduled to start.
