NEW YORK - Kris Benson and the Mets completed more than three months of negotiations, agreeing Saturday to a $22.5-million, three-year contract.
Benson's deal includes a $2.5-million signing bonus and a $7.5-million club option for 2008 with a $500,000 buyout. If the option is exercised, the contract would be worth $29.5-million over four seasons.
The deal is subject to Benson completing a physical, which is scheduled for New York on Monday.
New York wouldn't confirm the agreement but said it asked Benson to have a physical. The right-hander, 30, was scheduled to be in New York on Tuesday for a charity event.
The Associated Press also reported that the Mets and left-hander Al Leiter, 39, were nearing agreement on a one-year contract worth $4-million to $5-million plus performance bonuses.
BOSOX BOOST PEDRO OFFER: With the Yankees poking around Pedro Martinez, the Red Sox have increased their offer to the free-agent right-hander, possibly enough to lure him back, Newsday reported.
The Red Sox have guaranteed a third year in Martinez's deal, increasing the total value of the package to about $38-million, according to the newspaper. Boston's previous offer was two years for $25.5-million, with a $13-million option for a third.
LHP REJOINS CUBS: Glendon Rusch agreed to a two-year, $4-million contract with Chicago after becoming a key spot starter last season following a 1-12, 6.42 2003 with Milwaukee.
The left-hander will go to spring training as a potential fifth starter. There is a player option for 2006, and the contract's value could increase to $6.4-million over the two years based on incentives for games started.
PROSPECT RECOVERS: Marlins pitching prospect Jeff Allison has recovered from a near-fatal heroin overdose this summer and said he plans to report to spring training in late February. The right-hander was drafted 16th overall in 2003 after being named Baseball America's high school player of the year.
ANGELS UNLOAD GUILLEN: Anaheim traded outfielder Jose Guillen, a former Devil Ray, to the Washington-bound Expos for outfielder Juan Rivera and shortstop Maicer Izturis on Friday. The Angels felt they had to move Guillen after a late-season tirade and confrontation with manager Mike Scioscia.
