Conine can play first base or outfield and is adept at pinch-hitting — he led the Reds with nine hits in that role. Conine is batting .265 overall with six homers and 32 RBIs.

"We've had our eyes on him for a while," Mets general manager Omar Minaya said.

The move came one day after the Mets put infielder Damion Easley on the 15-day disabled list with a severely sprained left ankle, the latest blow to the NL East leaders.

Easley is expected to miss at least a month, Minaya said. He added the Mets probably would not have made the trade if Easley had not been injured.

Conine won World Series titles with Florida in 1997 and 2003, proving himself adept at hitting in the clutch. He plans to retire after this season, and was delighted to spend the final months in contention.

"My initial thought is: First place," Conine said, standing in front of his locker in the Reds clubhouse minutes after he was informed of the trade. "I get to go back to another pennant race."