New York ? Japanese shortstop Kazuo Matsui has decided to join the New York Mets, according to media reports in Tokyo.

Matsui was expected to announce his decision at a news conference today, Japan’s Kyodo news agency reported. Public broadcaster NHK also reported that Matsui was headed to the Mets.

Mets general manager Jim Duquette and Matsui’s U.S.-based agent, Arn Tellem, declined comment.

New York’s offer was for $20 million for three years.

Nicknamed “Little Matsui,” the shortstop is not related to New York Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui. Matsui is a seven-time All-Star and a three-time Golden Glove winner in Japan. The 28-year-old Matsui is a switch-hitter who led the Pacific League in stolen bases twice and was the 1998 MVP.

In other news, the Mets offered salary arbitration to 43-year-old left-handerJohn Franco but declined to offer arbitration to right-hander Pedro Astacio, second baseman Jay Bell and first baseman Tony Clark.

Teams had until midnight Sunday to offer arbitration to their former players who became free agents, and players offered arbitration have until Dec. 19 to accept the offers. Those players not offered arbitration can’t re-sign until May 1.

Several free agents signed contracts before the deadline.

The Chicago Cubs agreed to a $2.75 million, one-year contract with second baseman Mark Grudzielanek and $650,000, one-year deal with outfielder Tom Goodwin.

St. Louis signed relievers Steve Kline ($1.7 million) and Cal Eldred ($900,000) to one-year contracts.

Also re-signing were San Francisco first baseman J.T. Snow ($1.75 million), Los Angeles third baseman Robin Ventura ($1.2 million), Florida right-hander Chad Fox ($1.2 million), Florida second baseman Luis Castillo ($16 million for three years), Philadelphia catcher Todd Pratt ($875,000) and Milwaukee right-hander Dave Burba (minor-league contract).

The Mariners agreed to a $6.3 million, two-year contract with reliever Shigetoshi Hasegawa.