Colon wants to return to Mets for 1 more season

Bartolo Colon wants one last year as a major-league pitcher.

If the 46-year-old has his way, the New York Mets will be the team to give him that chance, according to Marly Rivera of ESPN.

However, after not landing a big-league deal in 2019, Colon knows it's a long shot.

"I thought that last year maybe I would have the opportunity," Colon said. "I know that if it didn't happen last year, this year would be less likely. I'm getting older and the game is all about the young pitchers coming up. When you get older, teams no longer need your services."

Colon struggled in 2018, going 7-12 with a 5.78 ERA in 28 games (24 starts) with the Texas Rangers. He went 7-14 with a 6.48 ERA in 28 starts split between the Atlanta Braves and Minnesota Twins the prior season.

Though his recent track record is spotty, his last stop in Queens was solid. Colon was named to the National League All-Star roster in his age-43 season in 2016 and finished the campaign with a 15-8 record, 3.43 ERA, and 1.21 WHIP over 191 2/3 innings. He said he looks back fondly on his time with the Mets, and that he'd love to return.

"If it was up to me, I would retire with the Mets," he said. "I would like my career to end in New York."

But if the Mets don't come knocking, the 21-year veteran says he won't be picky.

"If I had the opportunity, I would play in any league; go anywhere," he said. "If any major-league team wants an old man, I'm available!"