NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 13: Bartolo Colon #40 of the New York Mets reacts in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the National League Division Series at Citi Field on October 13, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Bartolo Colon posted a 2.08 ERA with seven strikeouts in 8 2/3 innings as a reliever for the Mets this postseason. Mike Stobe Getty Images
With a rotation stacked to the brim with young talent slated to return in 2016, the New York Mets don't necessarily need Bartolo Colon's services any longer -- but that doesn't suggest he won't be wearing a Mets jersey again next season.
Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz, and Zack Wheeler headline the Mets' 2016 rotation, which leaves no room for Colon, but New York hasn't ruled out bringing the veteran right-hander back in 2016.
"I think we're open-minded about Bartolo's possible return," general manager Sandy Alderson said. "He proved in the postseason that he could pitch out of the [bullpen]. Whether he would do that on a full-time basis or be a swing man, middle guy or even step in the rotation in the place of injuries, we're still open-minded about Bartolo."
In his 18th major-league season and second with the Mets, Colon posted a 14-13 record with a 4.16 ERA, 136 strikeouts, and 24 walks in 194 2/3 innings.
The ever-versatile Colon proved that age is just a number when the 42-year-old righty dominated in a relief role this postseason, posting a 2.08 ERA with seven strikeouts in 8 2/3 innings.
Slated to turn 43 next May, Colon said he'll keep playing as long as teams still want him.
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