The New York Mets are on the verge of reaching a deal with free-agent infielder Kazuo Matsui, who played 10 years as the shortstop for the Seibu Lions, a number of local media reports said Friday.

News photoShortstop Kazuo Matsui works out Thursday at the Seibu Lions' training facility in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture. Matsui, a free agent after playing 10 season in Japan, is close to signing a contract with the New York Mets, according to reports.

According to the online edition of the New York Post, "Matsui could be a Met within 24 hours" as Mets general manager Jim Duquette confirmed the club made a reported three-year, $23 million (about 2.5 billion yen) offer and are waiting to hear back in the next day or two.

The latest rumors say the switch-hitting Matsui is guaranteed a position at shortstop with the Mets because Jose Reyes will be moving to second base under the 20-year-old's consent, while it is unlikely the New York Yankees will consider shifting Derek Jeter.