It was only a matter of time before we heard rumors linking the Mets to Bartolo Colon. The time finally came on Sunday, when Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported the Mets' interest in the 44-year-old right-hander.

In an interview with Minnesota Twins' ace Ervin Santana, his fellow countryman said Colon's former team has, in fact, been in touch with him. Colon pitched for the Mets from 2014-2016 and was one of their most productive and effective arms, going 44-34 with a 3.90 ERA and one epic home run.

A-Gon: If Dom is better, I'll step aside

There's no telling just how much Colon has left in the tank. His 2017 numbers (7-14, 6.48 ERA with the Atlanta Braves and Minnesota Twins) clearly showed a pitcher on the downside of his career and multiple sources told NJ Advance Media that his breaking pitches weren't really breaking anymore. Colon can still locate and eat innings, which is what the Mets wanted him to do when they went after him last summer following his release from Atlanta.

But Colon didn't want to take a bullpen role then and it doesn't sound as though he'll want to know. Santana told the Pioneer Press that Colon, who will be 45 in May, only wants to surpass Dave Martinez's 240-win mark to become the winningest pitcher from Latin America.

"He just wants to win six more games and then he will retire," Santana said.

Colon still maintains a residence in New Jersey and strong ties to the organization, so many have thought that a reunion would be good for all involved, but it sounds as though it would have to be on his own terms.

Abbey Mastracco may be reached at amastracco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @abbeymastracco. Find NJ.com on Facebook.