ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- The New York Mets found a creative way to fill a void at first base tonight, signing Todd Zeile to a three-year, $18 million contract.

The 34-year-old Zeile made $3.2 million last season as the third baseman for the Texas Rangers, hitting a career-best .293 with 24 homers and 98 RBI.

The Mets already have a Gold Glove third baseman in Robin Ventura, so Zeile will move across the diamond to first base to replace John Olerud, who signed as a free agent with the Seattle Mariners earlier this week.

Mets general manager Steve Phillips, who announced the signing, made it known what role Zeile would fill, saying the team has signed the "free agent first baseman."

Position changes are nothing new to Zeile, who began his career as a catcher before being switched to third base in his second season with the St. Louis Cardinals.

"This time it's a matter of choice," Zeile said. "I could have played third base in a number of cities."

Phillips has no concern with the ability of Zeile to make the transition, noting that the Mets moved Edgardo Alfonzo from third to second base last season.

"He has the athletic ability. It will not be a difficult move for him," Phillips said.

Zeile's career at first base consists of 76 games but just one in each of the last two seasons.

The Mets were believed to be interested in Carlos Delgado before he signed a three-year deal with a no-trade clause to remain with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Zeile, who lives nearby in Thousand Oaks, was offered a three-year, $16 million deal by the Rangers, but was upset with the slow pace of contract talks and the decision of the Rangers to go with younger players.

The Rangers recently traded two-time American League Most Valuable Player Juan Gonzalez to the Detroit Tigers.

"The Mets are a more realistic possibility (of winning)," Zeile said. "There were more question marks in Texas."

Rangers general manager Doug Melvin ultimately grew impatient with Zeile's hesitation to play on a team with less veterans.

"I'm getting tired of hearing that from veteran players," Melvin said. "They were all younger players, too."

The loss of Zeile leaves the Rangers with a gaping hole at third base. Minor leaguer Mike Lamb is a possibility or the Rangers could seek help via a trade.

The Mets entered the picture after losing Olerud and Zeile admitted he did not make up his mind until a few hours ago. Zeile spoke this week with Mets catcher Mike Piazza, a former teammate with the Los Angeles Dodgers who helped sell him on coming to play for the Mets. One thing Piazza did not have to sell Zeile on was living in New York.

"There are some players that come to New York and are scared to leave their hotel room," Zeile said. "I always wanted the chance to come and play in New York."

An 11-year veteran, Zeile also has played for the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia, Florida, Los Angeles and Baltimore. He is a career .268 hitter with 287 doubles, 183 homers and 805 RBI.