New York, NY (My Sportsbook) - Art Howe has reportedly come to terms on a four-year contract to become the next manager of the New York Mets. The New York Daily News reported that Howe's deal is for $9.4 million.

The Mets are prohibited from announcing the hiring of Howe until the end of the World Series.

Last Friday, Howe and the Athletics announced he would return to finish the final year of his contract in Oakland.

With Howe reportedly set to become the manager of the Mets, Thursday's Newsday reported that the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Lou Piniella have agreed on a four-year contract and the Oakland Athletics have agreed on a multi-year deal with bench coach Ken Macha to replace Howe.

The Daily News reported that Howe arrived in New York late Tuesday and spent Wednesday in closed-door bargaining sessions with Mets' brass.

Howe would replace Bobby Valentine, who was fired after the season. Despite a payroll of $94 million entering the 2002 campaign, the Mets (75-86) finished last in the National League East, 26 1/2 games behind the first-place Braves.

Billy Beane, Oakland's general manager, gave Howe the chance to interview with the Mets because of the "unique opportunity" it presented.

Howe has managed the A's since 1996 and Oakland has made it to the postseason three straight seasons. However, the Athletics have failed to advance past the first round each time. They dropped the final two games of the best-of-five ALDS against Minnesota this season after losing to the Yankees in 2000 and 2001.

The 55-year-old Howe, who is the third-winningest manager in Athletics' history behind Connie Mack's 3,627 victories and Tony La Russa's 798, has a 600-533 record in Oakland.

Howe also managed the Houston Astros from 1989-93, and has a 992-951 career record.