Major League Baseball

Mets reach deal to get Matthews from Angels

Published Jan. 22, 2010 12:00 a.m. ET

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The Mets have acquired outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. from the Angels for reliever Brian Stokes.

It’s not known yet how much money will change hands, but that will be an important part of the deal. Matthews, who has underperformed during much of his tenure with the Angels, has $23 million left on his contract over the next two seasons. According to The Associated Press, the Angels will pay $21 million of that total.

"He's a very versatile player," Mets general manager Omar Minaya said on a conference call. "With Carlos or without Carlos, I just think he makes our team better."

The Mets’ interest in Matthews was certainly linked to Carlos Beltran’s unavailability for Opening Day. Matthews has experience at all three outfield positions but has spent most of his time in center. He batted .250 with four home runs and 50 RBIs as a part-time player in 2009.

"I think this is going to be mostly a change-of-scenery guy," Minaya said. "The fact that we have him for the next two years at a very reasonable price -- I think the key for him is just going to be playing time. ... I think he might be able to get more playing time here as the year goes on."

Stokes, a right-hander, went 2-4 with a 3.97 ERA in 69 appearances for the Mets last year.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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