Toronto Star

Wagner in tune with Mets

- ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK—

Billy Wagner became the latest star to join the Mets, reaching a preliminar­y agreement yesterday on a $43 million, four-year contract only hours after first baseman Carlos Delgado was introduced at a Shea Stadium news conference.

Considered by many the top reliever on the free- agent market, Wagner saved 38 games for Philadelph­ia last season. The Phillies offered just more than $30 million ( all figures U. S.) over three years to retain the 34year- old left- hander, whose fastball reaches 100 mph.

“ Three years we felt very comfortabl­e with. Going to a fourth year as the Mets went to, we didn’t feel that comfortabl­e,” said Pat Gillick, the Phillies general manager and former Blue Jays executive. Mets spokespers­on Jay Horwitz declined comment. Wagner must pass a physical, which is likely to take place today, before the deal can be completed. The four- time all- star will receive $ 10.5 million in each of the next four seasons, a high- ranking baseball official said. The Mets have an $8 million club option for 2010 with a $ 1 million buyout. If exercised, the deal would be worth $50 million over five seasons.

Wagner’s average salary will be the highest for a reliever, topping the $ 10.5 million Mariano Rivera is earning from the New York Yankees. Earlier in the day, the Jays finalized the largest overall deal for a relief pitcher, a $47 million, five- year contract with B. J. Ryan. Wagner went 4- 3 with a 1.51 ERA and 87 strikeouts in 75 appearance­s this year. He has 284 career saves.

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