As Mets GM Omar Minaya continues negotiations to secure Derek Lowe’s services, he also has other starting-pitching options in mind.
Minaya, according to a source, has offered a contract to Tim Redding, who went 10-11 with a 4.95 ERA for the Nationals last season.
Terms of the offer were not available.
Redding, a 30-year-old right-hander, would compete for the fifth spot in the rotation with rookie Jon Niese and perhaps Pedro Martinez, should Martinez return with the Mets.
“[Minaya’s] thinking is he would like to bring in six or seven starters this spring because of what happened last year,” the source said.
Minaya made an offer to Redding last week, but the pitcher is still considering other options. Minaya’s priority remains Lowe, who was offered a three-year deal worth about $36 million.
Lowe’s agent, Scott Boras, toured Citi Field and had lunch with Mets executives yesterday, at which time lefty Oliver Perez (also represented by Boras) was discussed.
Some believe the Nationals could be a suitor for Lowe, the best available starter on the market, given that Washington needs an ace and wasn’t shy about entering the Teixeira sweepstakes. The Phillies and Braves also could supersede the Mets’ offer for Lowe.
Meanwhile, Martinez’s agent, Fern Cuza, is expected to speak with Minaya next week. The right-hander could be open to an incentive-heavy, one-year contract to return to the Mets.