Reports: Mets sign R.A. Dickey

According to multiple reports, the Mets signed knuckleballer R.A. Dickey to a two-year deal worth $8 million on Friday night. The reports also say there is an option for a third season.

Thd deal is pending a physical on Monday.

The Dickey signing comes just hours after the family that owns the Mets announed that they will try to sell up to 25 percent of thet team to help cover a potential legal settlement arising from the Bernard Madoff megafraud.

Fred Wilpon, chairman and chief executive of the Mets, said during a conference call with reporters on Friday afternoon that the uncertainty swirling around the family's finances "will not affect or change the Mets' day-to-day operations and control." Wilpon went on to say, "We will continue to operate the franchise in a first-class manner."

Dickey, a righthander, could prove to be an important part of the starting rotation in 2011. Johan Santana is recovering from shoulder surgery. The Mets did add Chris Young and Chris Capuano in the offseason, but both starters have been injury-prone. The Mets do have Mike Pelfrey and Jon Niese as starters, and Dillon Gee will have a shot to make the rotation.

Dickey, 36, went 11-9 with 2.84 ERA in 26 starts for the Mets in 2010. He pitched two complete games and had a shutout.