New York Mets Lose Bartolo Colon To NL East Division Rival

The New York Mets have lost veteran pitcher Bartolo Colon in free agency to the Atlanta Braves.

TheNew York Metshave already had a difficult free agency and things have barely gotten heated up. Free agent pitcherBartolo Colonlooks to be moving on, and the team he has chosen will pain Mets fans.

According toMLB Trade RumorsandESPN’s Jim Bowden, Colon has agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Braves. The deal is reportedly worth $12.5 million, but an official announcement will not be made until late next week.

The 43-year old Colon has spent the last three seasons with the Mets and become a fan favorite. Every at-bat was worth tuning in to watch and he provided stability to a rotation that was loaded with young talent. But, there was Colon, the leader of the group and arguably the most consistent performer during his tenure with the team.

According to Jon Heyman of FanRag, the Mets are disappointed to see Colon leave as a free agent.

This was something the Mets feared would happen, as they seemingly have a full rotation. Because of that, the Mets could not guarantee Colon regular work in the starting rotation or give him as much money.

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WithNoah Syndergaardleading the way, the Mets are expectingZack Wheeler,Steven Matz,Matt Harvey, andJacob deGromto be healthy and ready to join the rotation. Add the emergence ofSeth LugoandRobert Gsellmanand there just wasn’t a spot for Colon.

As a result, the Mets have lost Colon to an NL East Division rival on the cusp of becoming relevant again. The Braves were looking to bulk up their starting rotation in 2017 and have already done that.

In addition to signing Colon, the Bravesinkedformer Met andCy Youngaward winnerR.A. Dickeyto a one-year deal with $8 million guarantee. That gives the Braves two free agent signings over 42-years old. If they both make at least 10 starts it will be the first time since 1990 that a team accomplished that feat. The Texas Rangers did it that year withNolan RyanandCharlie Hough.

This is a blow for the Mets as Colon was willing to do whatever it took to help the team win. He ate up innings and was willing to come out of the bullpen. He will be a tough player to replace as they will be relying on a lot of relatively young arms in the starting rotation.

The Braves, meanwhile, have made savvy signings. Colon and Dickey give them veteran options so they can ease along prized youngsters such asSean NewcombandChris Ellis. They have added innings eaters behindJulio TeheranandMike Foltynewicz, giving them only one more spot they need to fill.

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The offseason is barely underway and the Mets are already being put in a difficult spot. Colon will not be an easy player to replace given all the things he brought to the table. Unfortunately for the Mets, this is the first of what could be many free agent losses this winter.

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