Mets, Brandon Lyon near deal

The New York Mets aren't done adding pitching yet. The team is close to signing Brandon Lyon. Lyon has not officially agreed to a deal and has been linked to numerous other teams, but the Mets seem to be on the verge of getting a deal done. An announcement is expected soon.

Adam Rubin of ESPN reported earlier this evening that the team was close to signing Lyon. The Mets are continuing to help build their bullpen with moves this offseason. Lyon would be another example. While the deal is not finalized, Andy Martino of the New York Daily News says the Mets are confident it will get done.

Mets are quite confident that deal with Lyon will get done.

— Andy Martino (@MartinoNYDN) February 3, 2013

Lyon is a veteran reliever. He last played for the Houston Astros and Toronto Blue Jays. In 2012, Lyon went 4-2 with a 3.10 ERA. He was dealt to the Blue Jays as part of a huge multi-player deal with the Astros in the middle of the season.

Related: Mets outfield issues.

Lyon was originally drafted by the Blue Jays in the 14th round of the 1999 draft. Since then, he spent time with the Boston Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, and eventually landed back in Toronto. In his career, Lyon has posted a 4.12 ERA. He began his career as a starter, but was converted to a reliever by his third Major League season.

The Mets, who lost quite a bit of pitching, are hoping to solidify their bullpen this offseason. They have done some work on the starting rotation after losing R.A. Dickey, but the bullpen seems to be the current focus.