"Billy Wagner has a new employer. And the cash-strapped Mets have $3.2 million more to spend this offseason.

Wagner, who sent signals that he might block a move to the Red Sox, relented before Tuesday's 1:30 p.m. deadline and has agreed to relocate to Fenway Park, the Mets announced. He had been claimed off waivers by Boston last week.

Wagner, who is within 15 saves of 400 for his career, had cited multiple reasons for hesitancy to join the Red Sox: He wants to close next season. He wants to choose a team within proximity to his native Virginia rather than be at the mercy of the Red Sox to relocate him this winter. And he didn't want draft-pick compensation attached to his free agency.

The Red Sox have privately indicated they don't intend to pick up Wagner's $8 million option for 2010, meeting one of Wagner's conditions. However, a source told the Daily News that the Red Sox may look to trade closer Jonathan Papelbon this winter. And while Daniel Bard would be the logical successor in that role, Wagner at least offers a hedge.

Boston officials apparently would not pledge to decline offering arbitration to Wagner. If the Red Sox decline the option for next season but offer arbitration, a signing team could be required to forfeit a draft pick to Boston to sign Wagner, potentially making it more difficult for him to find an employer."