The Mets are on the verge of a deal with the free-agent slugger, according to multiple reports Friday.

The team has contacted Sheffield and a deal could come as soon as Friday night, the New York Post and Newsday reported. A source told the Post that Mets GM Omar Minaya has spoken directly to Sheffield to express the team's interest.

"Unless something drastic happens, he is a Met," one source told the Post. "Someone would have to offer him a second year, and I just don't see that happening."

The Phillies and Reds were among the other teams Sheffield was reportedly interested in, but those possibilities seem remote, the reports said.

One source told the Post that Sheffield sees an opportunity for more playing time in New York.

"He wants the Mets to know he's still hungry," a source familiar with the situation told Newsday. "And he has goals."

Sheffield was released Tuesday by the Tigers, who still owe him his $14 million contract for this season. The Mets would only have to pay Sheffield $400,000 — the league minimum — with Detroit picking up the remainder.

The 41-year-old Sheffield currently sits at 499 career home runs, meaning the Mets would bring the attraction of an impending milestone to their new ballpark, CitiField.