TAMPA — Jon Niese can start considering a long career in a Mets uniform.
The lefty pitcher has a new five-year, $25.5 million contract, pending a physical, according to a major league source. The deal also contains team options for 2017 and ’18 — worth $10 million and $10.5 million, respectively — that potentially make the contract worth $46 million over seven years.
Niese would have been eligible for arbitration for the first time following this season and could have become a free agent after the 2015 season. By negotiating a deal early, the Mets are hoping to save money on the 25-year-old in the long haul.
Niese went 11-11 with a 4.40 ERA last season, but his stock is on the rise. The Mets view him as a solid future No. 2 or 3 starter.
With Niese’s contract complete, it’s possible the Mets will begin negotiations with R.A. Dickey on picking up his 2013 option and then signing him to a new deal. A club source said team officials have already held internal discussions about that possibility.
➤ Dillon Gee allowed one earned run over five innings in the Mets’ 8-3 exhibition loss to the Yankees yesterday. Gee finished the spring with a 3.51 ERA.
“Overall I’m really happy with this spring and the way it’s going into the season,” Gee said. “I set out to accomplish two things in particular and that was throw the curveball for a strike and limit the walks, and I’ve done that.”
The Mets finished the Grapefruit League season 9-20.
➤ Jason Bay finished the spring with a .196 average and no RBIs, but said his Grapefruit League numbers are irrelevant. Bay said he doesn’t care if he gets booed today during Opening Day introductions.
“I’m me and I’m trying to do my job,” he said. “There’s no question I’m struggling. I’ve admitted that. I’m not trying to pretend I haven’t. But it’s a new year.”
➤ The Mets officially selected the contracts of reliever Miguel Batista and outfielder Mike Baxter from Triple-A Buffalo. Pitchers D.J. Carrasco and Pedro Beato were placed on the disabled list. To make room on the 40-man roster for Batista and Baxter, the Mets out-righted pitcher Armando Rodriguez to Double-A Binghamton and pitcher Josh Stinson was assigned on a waiver claim by the Brewers.
mpuma@nypost.com