Pitcher Kerry Wood said he would be willing to play baseball in New York after the Chicago Cubs declined to bring him back as the team's closer.

"I am open to anything, I'm not turning anything down," Wood, 29, said on a conference call with reporters when asked if he would entertain offers from the Yankees and Mets.

The Cubs severed ties with the right-hander this week after they acquired reliever Kevin Gregg from the Florida Marlins and suggested that set-up man Carlos Marmol could take over for Wood in the closing role. Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry told Wood over dinner three days ago that he wasn't in the club's plans.

Wood recast himself as a relief pitcher last season, saving 34 games, after arm and shoulder injuries prevented him from remaining a starter. The 1998 Rookie of the Year with the Cubs has been on the disabled list 11 times in his 10-year career.

The New York Mets are looking for a closer to replace Billy Wagner, who is out for next season after undergoing reconstructive elbow surgery. Wood is a free agent who can negotiate with any of the 30 Major League Baseball teams. Francisco Rodriguez, who saved a record 62 games for the Los Angeles Angels, and Brian Fuentes, who had 30 saves for the Colorado Rockies, are also available through free agency.

Wood said he will remain in Chicago, where he and his wife will rear their two children.

"I would have done just about anything to stay here," said Wood, who added the Cubs weren't interested in a one-year deal. "I want to go to a team that has a good chance to win, a good atmosphere and fun guys on the team."

National League Best

Chicago finished last season with the best record in the National League before getting upset in the playoffs by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Wood signed a one-year, $4.2 million deal to stay with the Cubs and transition to a reliever last November.

He has a career 77-61 record with a 3.65 earned run average since joining Chicago in 1998. Wood tied a major-league record with 20 strikeouts in a game during his rookie year. He underwent elbow surgery the following season and missed all of 1999.