NEW YORK — When they pitched together in the minors a decade ago, Tim Redding equaled Johan Santana.
While they keep looking for another starter, the New York Mets hope to see Redding match some of his own numbers from 2008.
Redding completed his $2.25 million, one-year deal with the Mets on Monday, saying he would pitch in whatever role the team wants.
“Starter, reliever, it doesn’t matter to me,” the right-hander said on a conference call.
Redding made 33 starts for Washington last year and went 3-1 against the two-time NL East champion Philadelphia Phillies. He was 10-11 overall — leading the Nationals in wins — with a 4.95 ERA.
“I think we can feel comfortable that we’ve added 182 innings to the staff,” Mets general manager Omar Minaya said. “The value for us is very important.”
The Mets are still pursuing free agents Derek Lowe and Oliver Perez for the rotation.
“We do have offers out there,” Minaya said. “You never know. You’re negotiating. As far as something happening soon, I don’t know that.”
Pedro Martinez remains on the periphery.
“Right now, the way it is, we’re dealing with some other guys,” Minaya said. “Is he an option? He’s in the pool.”
Redding said his No. 1 choice was the Mets.
A few days after Washington did not offer Redding a contract for next season, he said he heard rumors the Mets were interested. Born and raised in Rochester, N.Y., he told his agent to make a call. The sides reached a preliminary agreement last week.
“I’ve always had in my mind that I wanted to be in New York,” he said. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be than pitching for the New York Mets, trying to get to the World Series.”
Redding, who turns 31 next month, is 34-51 with a 4.92 ERA in seven seasons with Houston, San Diego, the New York Yankees and Washington.
Redding started his pro career in the Astros’ minor league system. He pitched with Santana, his new Mets teammate, in 1998 in the New York-Penn League and in 1999 in the Midwest League. Both seasons, Redding and Santana had the same win totals.
Santana is the Mets’ ace, with John Maine and Mike Pelfrey also in the rotation. Minaya has spent much of this season rebuilding a bullpen that contributed to the Mets’ second straight September collapse, signing record-setting closer Francisco Rodriguez and trading for J.J. Putz.
“You try to do things in order,” Minaya said.
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