The Mets, trying to create additional options for their rotation, are attempting to sign free-agent right-hander Tim Redding, major-league sources say.
The Rockies and Orioles also are talking to Redding, sources say, and the Rangers represent an additional option.
Redding, 30, is seeking a two-year contract.
The Mets are trying to sign a more prominent free-agent starter such as righty Derek Lowe or lefty Oliver Perez, but Redding could fit in the back of their rotation.
The Rockies discussed a trade for Redding at the winter meetings, but would be reluctant to sign him for more than one year, according to a source with knowledge of the team's thinking.
Redding spent the past two seasons with the Nationals, going 10-11 with a 4.95 ERA in 2008 and tying for the team lead with 182 innings.
The Nationals declined to offer him a contract last week, unwilling to pay him what he projected to earn in salary arbitration — between $3 million and $3.5 million.
Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey and John Maine are the Mets' top three returning starters. Maine, however, did not pitch after Aug. 23 last season because of a bone spur in his right shoulder.
A pitcher such as Lowe or Perez could be the No. 2 starter behind Santana, with Redding and rookie left-hander Jon Niese conceivably competing for the fifth spot.
The Rockies like Redding, but they are exploring a wide range of options, including a trade for Cubs right-hander Jason Marquis and the signing of free-agent righty Braden Looper.
