MLB

Mets sign relievers Francisco, Rauch; trade Pagan

DALLAS — Summarizing just part of a wild night, the Mets traded with San Francisco, signed a Francisco and won’t be reunited with Francisco (Rodriguez).

The Mets’ big splash, a two-year deal worth $12 million with closer Frank Francisco, completed a frenzy that won’t overshadow Jose Reyes’ departure to the Marlins for $106 million, but at least shows the Mets have a plan.

Also coming to the Mets is free-agent reliever Jon Rauch, who signed a one-year deal worth $3.5 million. Gone is Pagan, whom the Mets dealt to San Francisco for reliever Ramon Ramirez and outfielder Andres Torres.

It came on a day general manager Sandy Alderson reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the bullpen — an Achilles heel that sabotaged the Mets over the final two months of last season.

Francisco went 1-4 with a 3.55 ERA and 17 saves for the Blue Jays last season and will give the Mets a true closer. The 32-year-old right-hander’s breakout year came with the Rangers in 2009, when he saved 25 games.

The Mets viewed options such as Ryan Madson and former closer Frankie Rodriguez as too expensive, but Francisco was among the best options on the next tier of closers, after it became evident a trade for Oakland’s Andrew Bailey would be too costly in terms of prospects.

Rauch, a 33-year-old right-hander, went 5-4 with a 4.85 ERA and 11 saves for the Blue Jays last season. He might settle into the eighth-inning role, though Ramirez is another option.

Ramirez, a 30-year-old right-hander, went 3-3 with a 2.62 ERA and four saves for the Giants last season.

On paper, at least, the Mets would seem set in the bullpen, with lefty-hander Tim Byrdak signed for next year and Manny Acosta and Bobby Parnell providing hard-throwing options.

Torres struggled last season — much like Pagan — but the Mets hope their new player benefits from a change of scenery. In 112 games for the Giants in 2011, the 33-year-old Torres hit .221 with four homers and 19 RBIs. The Giants reportedly had no intention of tendering him a contract.

“I’m excited … because maybe I’ll get an opportunity to play, and that’s good,” Torres told the San Jose Mercury News. “I’ve been working with Juan Gonzalez [in Puerto Rico] a lot, hitting every day. I know it’s going to be a good year for me.”

Torres could become the new leadoff hitter, but manager Terry Collins has said in recent days that Daniel Murphy might be considered.

Pagan batted .262 with seven homers and 56 RBIs last season, and angered management and teammates with his attitude, including several miscommunications with Collins.

Even so, the Mets were prepared to tender Pagan a contract in the event a trade didn’t materialize. Pagan likely would have commanded about $5 million in arbitration. Torres made $2.2 million last season for the Giants.

The Mets still could look to trade Murphy and acquire a second baseman, but the team loves Murphy’s offensive potential. That fact coupled with the fact Reyes’ production from the lineup is gone could leave the Mets to stick with Murphy, despite the fact he is a defensive risk at second base.