The Mets have acted on their remaining offseason priority, extending highly sought right-hander Derek Lowe a three-year offer for approximately $36 million, according to a report in the New York Times.

Citing "people who have been briefed on the discussions" between the Mets and agent Scott Boras, the Times' report is the first word of a specific offer having been presented to Lowe, who will turn 36 in the spring.

Lowe, 14-11 with a 3.24 ERA for the Dodgers last season, entered the free-agent market with a price generally perceived as $90 million for five years. His suitors have included the Red Sox, Phillies and -- at least until they reeled in both CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett -- the Yankees.

Adding a starting pitcher is Mets general manager Omar Minaya's driving objective. There is little debate about Lowe being No. 1 on that wish list, with the Mets also remaining interested in re-signing their own free-agent starter, Oliver Perez. The left-hander, eight years younger than Lowe, went 10-7 last season with a 4.22 ERA.

Boras represents both pitchers.