Major League Baseball

Source: Mets pick up right-hander Cordero

Published Jul. 21, 2010 2:04 p.m. ET

Ken Rosenthal

The Mets, seeking bullpen help, have reached terms with free-agent right-hander Chad Cordero on a minor-league contract, according to a major-league source.

Cordero, 28, declined a minor-league assignment with the Mariners last week and became a free agent. Mets general manager Omar Minaya, during his tenure with the Expos, selected Cordero in the first round -- and 20th overall -- in 2003.

The deal will be announced today, the source said. Cordero chose the Mets with the belief that he would stand a good chance of returning to the majors quickly.

Cordero was 0-1 with a 6.52 ERA in nine appearances for the Mariners. When the team shook up its roster last week, Cordero declined a return assignment to Triple-A Tacoma and became a free agent. In 17 games with Tacoma this spring, Cordero was 0-1 with six saves and a 4.12 ERA.