The New York Mets are in serious talks with the Baltimore Orioles about a trade that would send starting pitcher Kris Benson to the Orioles for reliever Jorge Julio, according to a report in the New York Post.

The newspaper reported that a deal could be finished at the Winter Meetings in Dallas, which begin on Monday.

Baltimore has been looking to add an experienced pitcher to a promising young staff that includes Erik Bedard, Daniel Cabrera and Rodrigo Lopez. The team is not expected to keep Sidney Ponson.

Julio would fit in with the Mets in a setup role behind new closer Billy Wagner. Julio struggled as a setup man for Baltimore after being replaced by B.J. Ryan as the team's closer. Ryan is now with the Blue Jays.

Benson was 10-8 with a 4.13 ERA in 2005.

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