NEW YORK, Nov. 29 (UPI) -- The New York Mets signed closer Billy Wagner Tuesday to a four-year deal worth a guaranteed $43 million with a club option for a fifth year.
New York General Manager Omar Minaya announced the signing of Wagner, considered the best closer on the open market.
The lefthander has a 34-32 record with 284 saves and a 2.40 ERA since reaching the majors in 1995.
Last year, Wagner posted a 4-3 mark with 38 saves and a 1.51 ERA in 75 games with the Philadelphia Phillies. He had the lowest ERA among NL relievers last season and was second with a .165 opponents batting average, fourth in strikeouts and seventh in saves. He also compiled a 0.54 ERA over his final 33 games in 2005.
Wagner, 34, started his career with Houston. In two years in Philadelphia, the four-time All-Star had 59 saves.
