Adam Rubin of ESPN NY writes that the Mets have signed free-agent Jose Valverde to a minor league deal and will be invited to spring training.

Valverde, 35, who is entering his 12th season, had a 5.59 ERA, with 9 saves in 20 games for the Detroit Tigers last season.  But prior to his down year in 2013, he has averaged about 37 saves a season over a 6-year span from 2007-2012.

In 2012, he recorded 35 saves with the Tigers and his career high in saves is 49 which he did with the Tigers in 2011.

Last season the Tigers released Valverde after he struggled to regain his form from previous seasons.

Now the Mets bring in another veteran pitcher, along with Kyle Farnsworth to possibly close games in the event that Bobby Parnell is unable to return from his neck surgery, which he underwent on September 10, to repair a herniated disk.

If Valverde pitches anywhere near what he did from 2007-2012, the Mets may have found a potential closer in the mix.

(Photo Credit: AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)