New York ? Aramis Ramirez decided not to pursue the free-agent market, agreeing Sunday to a $73 million, five-year contract that keeps the third baseman with the Chicago Cubs.

On the first day free agents could negotiate money with all 30 teams, oft-injured pitcher Kerry Wood also opted to stay with the Cubs, agreeing to a $1.75 million, one-year deal that could be worth up to $6 million.

And the New York Yankees made their second trade in three days, sending Jaret Wright to the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday for right-handed reliever Chris Britton.

As part of the deal, the Yankees will pay $4 million of Wright’s $7 million salary next year.

When GMs convene today in Naples, Fla., they’ll start to discuss swaps and signings, and several major agents also planned to attend. Alfonso Soriano, Barry Zito, Barry Bonds, Carlos Lee and Jason Schmidt are likely to take time to weigh their choices, so the early November sessions are traditionally a lot more talk than action.

Alex Rodriguez is sure to be mentioned in trade rumors all offseason, and perhaps the annual Manny Ramirez speculation will start up once one again.

Two Japanese players will make news during the meetings.

The Seibu Lions of the Pacific League must decide by Tuesday whether to accept the high bid for 26-year-old right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka.

The Boston Red Sox, Yankees, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers were thought to be among the bidders, but the identity of the club that made the high bid won’t be announced until after the Lions accept the figure.

And the Yakult Swallows of Japan’s Central League have until Thursday to accept the high offer for Akinori Iwamura, a 27-year-old third baseman who has five Gold Gloves in Japan.

Ramirez, acquired by the Cubs from the Pittsburgh Pirates midway through the 2003 season, had opted out of the final two seasons of a $42 million, four-year contract and filed for free agency on Oct. 30. His new deal contains a mutual option for 2012.

“He proved to Chicago that when you leave $20 million or $30 million on the table, it’s where you want to go,” Cubs GM Jim Hendry said. “Both sides gave a little bit.”

Ramirez set career highs last season for homers (38) and RBIs (119) and batted .291, thanks to a strong finish.

Wood has been bothered by arm problems throughout his career. He made just four starts last season, has been rehabbing a torn rotator cuff and will be shifted to the bullpen.

New York had until Sunday to opt out of Wright’s contract, a move that also would have cost the Yankees a $4 million buyout. Wright, a right-hander who turns 31 on Dec. 29, will be reunited with pitching coach Leo Mazzone. When the pair were with the Atlanta Braves in 2004, Wright went 15-8 with a 3.28 ERA.

“I think the primary factor is his relationship with Leo back in his Atlanta days,” Orioles vice president Jim Duquette said. “He costs us $3 million.”

After agreeing to a $21 million, three-year contract, Wright had a pair of disappointing seasons with the Yankees. He injured a shoulder early in the 2005 season and was 5-5 with a 6.08 ERA in 13 starts.