AP source: Mets, Redding reach $2.25 million deal

[January 10, 2009]  NEW YORK (AP) -- The New York Mets moved to add a pitcher while still negotiating with higher-profile free agents, reaching a preliminary agreement with Tim Redding on a $2.25 million, one-year contract.

Redding's deal is subject to him passing a physical, a person familiar with the negotiations said Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity because no announcement had been made. Redding would be able to earn about $750,000 more in performance bonuses.

A right-hander who was born in Rochester and turns 31 next month, Redding was 10-11 with a 4.95 ERA last season for the Washington Nationals -- the only 10-game winner on the team. He allowed 27 homers in 182 innings.

Redding had a $1 million base salary last year and earned $125,000 in performance bonuses. Washington failed to offer him a contract by the Dec. 12 deadline, allowing him to become a free agent rather than make him eligible for salary arbitration.

Mets officials met earlier this week with agent Scott Boras, who represents free-agent pitchers Derek Lowe and Oliver Perez. Lowe met with Braves manager Bobby Cox on Thursday in Atlanta.

New York has made a three-year offer to Lowe, apparently preferring to sign him rather than to retain Perez, who spent the past two years in the Mets' rotation.

New York currently has a projected rotation that includes Johan Santana, John Maine and Mike Pelfrey. The Mets have not ruled out re-signing free agent Pedro Martinez.

[Associated Press; By RONALD BLUM]

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