Los Angeles ? Rickey Henderson is back in the big leagues.

Desperate for offensive help, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed the 44-year-old future Hall of Famer and acquired slugging outfielder Jeromy Burnitz from the New York Mets Monday.

The Mets, unloading another high-priced player, will receive three minor leaguers — infielder Victor Diaz and right-handed relievers Joselo Diaz and Kole Strayhorn. New York will also pay part of Burnitz’s remaining salary this season.

“We really like these two guys,” Dodgers general manager Dan Evans said of Henderson and Burnitz. “I think these two guys can come in and improve our ballclub. We’re not asking either one to do more than they’re capable of doing.”

The 34-year-old Burnitz, who has played all three outfield positions, figures to replace Brian Jordan in left field. Jordan underwent season-ending knee surgery last week.

“Jeromy’s offensive output throughout his career speaks for itself,” Evans said. “I believe he will complement our offense well and add some power to the middle of our order.”

Henderson, who had been playing for the Newark Bears of the independent Atlantic League, figures to be used mainly in a reserve role.

“With Rickey, we’re gaining a player who understands what it takes to win at the major-league level and we feel he will be a valuable addition to our team,” Evans said.

Henderson is baseball’s career leader in runs (2,288), stolen bases (1,403) and walks (2,179) and becomes the active leader in hits (3,040). He will be appearing in his 25th major-league season and be playing with his ninth team.

In 56 games with the Bears, Henderson had eight homers, 33 RBIs, 52 runs scored and nine stolen bases.

The Dodgers (49-44) are in third place in the NL West, 71/2 games behind first-place San Francisco, despite a 3.06 team ERA — almost a half-run lower than any other big-league team.

But they’re last in the NL with a .244 batting average and 328 runs. Their 59 homers are the fewest in the majors.

“I’m just very excited to have an opportunity to play on a team with a shot at going to the playoffs,” Burnitz said.

The Mets will pay Burnitz $500,000 for waiving his no-trade clause, and the Dodgers will pick up $2 million of his $11.5 million salary.

The left handed-hitting Burnitz is batting .274 with 18 doubles, 18 homers and 45 RBIs in 234 at-bats.