FLUSHING, N.Y., April 20, 2009 ? The New York Mets today announced that they have signed outfielder Wily Mo Pena to a minor league contract. Pena will report to extended spring training in Port St. Lucie for a short time before joining Buffalo (AAA) of the International League.

Pena, 27, was released by the Washington Nationals on March 28. The 6-3, 268-pounder batted .205 (40-195) with six doubles, two home runs, and 10 RBI in 64 games with the Nationals in 2008. He was placed on the 15-Day Disabled List on July 18 and missed the remainder of the season after undergoing left shoulder surgery (torn left labrum).

In 110 games combined with the Red Sox and Nationals in 2007, Pena hit .253 (73-289) with 13 doubles, one triple, 13 home runs, and 39 RBI. His best season came in 2004 as a member of the Cincinnati Reds when he batted .259 (87-336) with career-highs in home runs (26) and RBI (66).

Pena has a career .253 batting average, with 67 doubles, five triples, 77 home runs, and 225 RBI in 560 major league games with the Reds, Red Sox, and Nationals .

Newstex ID: ND-2376-34274112