The next step in the Mets’ slow-moving search for a new closer looks like it will come at next week’s winter meetings.
Free-agent closer Brian Fuentes plans to be in Las Vegas to speak with Met GM Omar Minaya, his agent told The Post yesterday. Fuentes then hopes to visit New York and tour Citi Field if the initial meeting goes well.
Meanwhile, at yesterday’s deadline, the Mets offered arbitration only to Oliver Perez from their list of 11 eligible veterans. Minaya notably declined to offer arbitration to Pedro Martinez, yet another sign Martinez’ stint in Queens is over.
Perez, a Scott Boras client, is virtually certain to decline the arbitration offer and become a free agent, because he is likely to be in demand this winter and is looking for a multi-year deal worth more than double per season the $6.5 million he made last year.
By offering Perez arbitration, the Mets now are in position to get two high draft picks if they don’t re-sign him in free agency, because he is a Type A free agent.
Minaya will be busy with the closer issue in Las Vegas after the agent for Francisco Rodriguez said late last week that he also planned to meet with the Mets.
The Met GM appears to have the upper hand, as there’s little, if any, competition for either K-Rod or Fuentes. One reason is the economic crisis that so far has put a chill on free agency. Another is the fact that most other big-market, big-budget teams are set at closer.
K-Rod’s agent already has backed well off his initial demand of a five-year deal worth $15 million per season, saying he is “open to negotiate,” while Fuentes seemingly could be had for as few as three years.
Sources said the Mets’ first choice is Rodriguez, 26, who set the single-season record with 62 saves last season for the Angels. But the Mets would be just as happy with Fuentes, the sources said.
The 33-year-old Fuentes converted 30 of 33 save chances for the Rockies last season.
*
Nick Evans is ticketed for three to four weeks of therapy in his hometown of Phoenix after an MRI yesterday revealed he has a right quadriceps strain. The test was performed at Manhattan’s Hospital for Special Surgery.
Evans was playing for Indios de Mayaguez in the Puerto Rican Winter League.
bhubbuch@nypost.com