http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2234421
Marlins reach deal to trade Delgado to Mets
Associated Press
NEW YORK -- One season later, Carlos Delgado is headed to the New York Mets.
Carlos Delgado
First Base
Florida Marlins
Profile
2005 SEASON STATISTICS
GM HR RBI R OBP AVG
144 33 115 81 .399 .301
The Mets reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday to acquire Delgado and $7 million from the Florida Marlins for first baseman Mike Jacobs and pitcher Yusmeiro Petit, a baseball official familiar with the talks said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deal was not final.
It is the second tentative deal struck this week by the payroll-slashing Marlins, who also have a pending agreement to send 2003 World Series MVP Josh Beckett to the Boston Red Sox for three prospects.
New York would receive $7 million from the Marlins as part of the trade to offset the $48 million Delgado is owed over the next three seasons. The first baseman turned down the Mets' offer last January to accept a $52 million, four-year contract from the Marlins. But while New York offered a no-trade clause, Florida did not.
The sides have not yet agreed on how to spread the money, the official said, with the Mets proposing Florida pays $1 million next year, $2 million in 2007 and $4 million in 2008. The Marlins proposed paying $2.5 million in 2007 and $4.5 million in 2008.
The commissioner's office, which must approve the trade because more than $1 million is changing hands, will make the final decision, the official said.
The tentative deal was first reported by Newsday on its Web site after the Daily News reported Wednesday that a trade could be imminent.
In addition to Delgado's salary, the Mets must fulfill a provision in his contract that provides for state tax equalization. The official estimated that would come to between $300,000 and $450,000 next year.
Because he is a veteran player traded during a multiyear contract, Delgado would have the right to file a trade demand during the 15 days following next year's World Series.
Delgado received $4 million last season and is owed $13.5 million in 2006, $14.5 million in 2007 and $16 million in 2008. His contract contains a club option for 2009 at $12 million with a $4 million buyout but it could become guaranteed at $16 million depending on how he finishes in MVP voting and whether he wins postseason MVP awards.