Montreal, QC (My Sportsbook) - The New York Mets have reportedly reached an agreement with Montreal Expos GM Omar Minaya to become the team's new director of baseball operations.

The Mets have scheduled a Thursday afternoon press conference for a "major announcement" but offered no confirmation on Minaya's return to New York. The Daily News cited various team insiders when reporting the story.

Minaya previously served as the assistant general manager under Steve Phillips before leaving for Montreal in 2002. He balked at a chance to run the Mets along with current GM Jim Duquette after Phillips' dismissal.

The move for Minaya coincides with Major League Baseball's announcement that the Expos will be moved from Montreal to Washington D.C. for the 2005 season.

Duquette will retain his GM duties, but will likely serve in more of an administrative capacity under Minaya.

Minaya has had tremendous success in signing Latin American players, including the Mets' Jose Reyes and a young Sammy Sosa when Minaya was a scout for the Texas Rangers.

The Mets have received much criticism this season, particularly for the deal that sent prized pitching prospect Scott Kazmir to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in exchange for Victor Zambrano.

Kazmir, whom the Mets thought wouldn't be major-league ready for at least a year, was called up in late August and sparkled at times for the Devil Rays. He is 2-2 so far with a 5.60 ERA.

Zambrano pitched in only three games before tendinitis in his throwing elbow ended his season.

Montreal will be in New York for a season-ending three-game set this weekend.