R.A. Dickey rumors: Mets ace could return without extension

The New York Mets would like to reach a contract extension with R.A. Dickey, but the team could keep Dickey for the 2013 season without signing him to an extension.

The popular opinion is that the Mets will sign the 2012 NL Cy Young Award winner to an extension or trade him, but owner Jeff Wilpon said the Mets could bring Dickey back without an extension to pitch the final year of his current contract. Dickey, 38, has one year remaining on his deal at the low price of $5 million.

Wilpon said the two sides are trying to reach an agreement and thinks that eventually a deal will be reached, but added, "If not, he'll be a great bargain at $5 million playing out next season for us."

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson has talked to several teams about a trade involving Dickey, but has not yet found any offers that he considers worthwhile.