Bartolo Colon targeting MLB comeback at age 47

Bartolo Colon turns 47 next week and is ready to prove that 47-year-olds can still play professional sports at a high level, even though Tom Brady, 42, is doing something similar in the NFL.

"Big Sexy," as he's more commonly referred, is eyeing a return to Major League Baseball, according to ESPN's Marly Rivera , despite not pitching since 2018 with the Texas Rangers.

"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 is 247-188 in 552 starts with a 4.12 ERA and 1.312 WHIP. He played for 11 clubs in 21 years, including the New York Yankees and Mets, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Angels.

While he is looking to return for a 22nd season, Colon may need to broaden his horizons if he wants to make something work. The four-time All-Star told Rivera he'd like to finish his career with the Mets, but that may not be entirely possible in this climate.

However, he did spend three years with the team from 2014-16 going 44-34 with a 3.90 ERA and 415 strikeouts, so maybe New York general manager Brodie Van Wagenen would be receptive to the idea of bringing him on board for a shortened season in 2020... especially considering they need the depth.

Beyond the likes of Jacob deGrom, Marcus Stroman, Steven Matz, Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha, the Mets will need a reliable arm if things take a turn for the worse after Noah Syndergaard's Tommy John surgery.

While Colon could potentially be that guy, it's reasonable to wonder if he truly has anything left in the tank after going 7-12 with a 5.78 ERA in 2018.