Bartolo Colon Re-Signs with Mets: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

Despite having a loaded starting rotation heading into 2016, the New York Mets have decided to bring right-hander Bartolo Colon back for one more season. 

Per Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, citing "initial reports" from the Dominican Republic, Colon's deal with the Mets will pay him $7.25 million next year, pending a physical.    

Per Susan Slusser the San Francisco Chronicle, the Oakland Athletics were one of multiple teams willing to offer Colon more money than the Mets offer.    

Colon has been an effective starter for the Mets since 2014, throwing 397 innings over the past two years. His 4.13 ERA during that span is high, but given the strength of New York's rotation, he's simply asked to provide quality innings. 

The Mets could have moved on from Colon with no one batting an eye. They enter 2016 coming off a World Series appearance in which Matt Harvey, Noah Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom had fantastic October runs. 

Steven Matz, who made three playoff starts and struck out 13 in 14.2 innings, will be in the Opening Day rotation, and Zack Wheeler will be returning from Tommy John surgery at some point. 

Yet Rosenthal also noted that despite having better offers on the table, Colon wanted to return to the Mets because he "loves fans, teammates [and the] organization."

Joel Sherman of the New York Post also noted that Colon serves a vital role for the Mets after they traded Jon Niese to the Pittsburgh Pirates for second baseman Neil Walker. 

Even though Colon may transition to a long relief role, like he did during the Mets' postseason run, manager Terry Collins knows he can call on the 42-year-old to be the No. 5/spot starter if another pitcher gets hurt or needs extra rest. 

Colon isn't a game-changing pitcher at this point in his career, but he's one of those guys every team wants because of his durability and versatility. The Mets know their strength lies in pitching and took steps to ensure what worked so well in 2015 will be back when next season begins.