Free agency isn't the Mets' only option when it comes to looking for a closer. They have interest in the Astros' Jose Valverde, Huston Street of the Rockies, the Mariners' J.J. Putz and Bobby Jenks of the White Sox, according to a story in Saturday's New York Times.

The Mets are in need of a closer because left-hander Billy Wagner is expected to miss the entire 2009 season following Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery. New York's bullpen this past season had a 4.25 ERA, which ranked 13th in the National League.

Valverde, who has been mentioned in trade talks much of this offseason, led the NL with 44 saves in 2008 and can be a free agent after next season. Street, who was recently sent to the Rockies as part of the Matt Holliday trade, appeared in 63 games for the Athletics and had a 3.73 ERA this past season. Putz has saved 101 games during his six-year career with the Mariners, while Jenks has saved at least 30 games in each of the past three years for the White Sox.

The Mets continue to have interest in closers Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes, who are free agents. The team also has kept its eye on right-handers Kerry Wood and Trevor Hoffman, according to the Times. Wood and Hoffman could be less expensive options than Rodriguez and Fuentes.