ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves took another major step toward solidifying their pitching staff for next season, agreeing yesterday to a $7 million, one-year contract with closer Billy Wagner.

Next up: the offense.

"The bullpen is one of the areas we needed to upgrade to get where we want to go," Braves general manager Frank Wren said during a news conference at Turner Field. "Billy was at the top of our list. The first day of free agency, we gave him a call."

The six-time All-Star gets $6.75 million in 2010, and his deal includes a $6.5 million club option for 2011 with a $250,000 buyout. The option would become guaranteed if he finishes 50 games next season.

The signing of Wagner to replace last year's co-closers, Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez, was Atlanta's second big move of an already busy offseason. Tim Hudson re-signed to give the Braves six established starters and likely set up a trade to bulk up the offense, possibly at next week's winter meetings.

The 38-year-old Wagner missed most of last season following elbow ligament replacement surgery on Sept. 10, 2008. The left-hander returned to the New York Mets on Aug. 20, reached 96 mph in his first appearance, then was traded to the Boston Red Sox five days later.

Wagner was 1-1 with a 1.98 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 13 2/3 innings for the Red Sox. He is sixth on the career list with 385 saves and second among left-handers behind John Franco (424).