"Fernando Tatis is back with the Mets. The veteran utilityman agreed to a one-year deal today with the team, contingent upon his passing a physical.

The Post first reported yesterday that the two sides were close to a deal.

Tatis' return all but signals the end of Carlos Delgado's Mets career. Tatis is expected to platoon at first base with Daniel Murphy, but could see action in the outfield, if needed.

According to a baseball source, Tatis agreed to a deal that will pay him less than the $1.7 million he earned last season, but he could approach that figure if he reaches certain incentives.

The 35-year-old hit .282 with eight homers and 48 RBIs last season as a part-time player.

The Rockies and Mariners had also shown interest in Tatis, who recently entertained an offer from the Indians because he was intrigued by the idea of playing for manager Manny Acta, a friend from the Dominican Republic. "