Moises Alou signed a one-year, US$8.5 million contract with the New York Mets on Monday, the National League team announced.

Alou, 40, is a six-time NL All-Star who reportedly turned down two-year contracts from other teams so he could play for the Mets, last season's NL East champions.

The veteran outfielder's deal also includes a $7.5 million club option for 2008, with a $1 million buyout.

Alou played in just 98 games last season with the San Francisco Giants because of ankle and back injuries. He still hit .301 with 22 homers and 74 RBIs in 345 at-bats and will play left field for the Mets.

He has played 15 major league seasons and has a .301 career batting average with 319 home runs and 1,229 RBI with Pittsburgh, Montreal, Florida, Houston, Chicago Cubs and the Giants.

New York also declined its $14 million option on veteran pitcher Tom Glavine, who went 15-7 with a 3.82 ERA for the club. The Mets said they would welcome him back at a lower price, but Glavine is also considering re-joining his former team, the Atlanta Braves.

The Mets also acquired a pair of young pitchers on Monday, acquiring left-handers Jason Vargas and Adam Bostick from the Florida Marlins for pitching prospects Henry Owens and Matt Lindstrom