The Mets are moving along negotiations with Derek Lowe, reportedly with a three-year offer in the $36 million range for the free-agent pitcher.
That isn't nearly in line with the four-or five-year deal at around $15 million per season that Lowe's agent, Scott Boras, has been seeking, but then the Mets already have nabbed Francisco Rodriguez at a discounted rate amid this winter's recession.
Lowe is the Mets' first choice for the glaring hole in their rotation, with Oliver Perez and Randy Wolf still possibilities if a deal can't be struck with Lowe.
A Mets official termed it unlikely that the team would sign more than one starter from the group that includes Lowe, Perez and Wolf.
According to ESPN.com, Boras would not confirm the Mets' offer.
Earlier this month, Rodriguez signed with the Mets for three years and $37 million.
The Mets also traded for Mariners reliever J.J. Putz.
Lowe was 14-11 with a 3.24 ERA for the Dodgers last season, his fourth with the club. He came up with the Mariners but was traded midway through his rookie season to the Red Sox. He spent more than seven years there as a starter and reliever, saving 42 games in 2000.
Lowe, John Smoltz and Dennis Eckersley are the only pitchers to win 20 or more games in one season and save 40 or more in another.
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