Strawberry Says He’d Love to Be in L.A.

New York Mets outfielder Darryl Strawberry, who declared his free agency earlier this week, told a Los Angeles sportscaster that the Dodgers are No. 1 on his shopping list for a new contract.

“If the Dodgers are really, really, really interested in me, I’ll be here,” Strawberry said Tuesday in an interview with KABC. “That would be my No. 1 choice. I’m very determined to play here at home and if things can work out between myself and my agent and the Los Angeles Dodgers, I would love to be here at home and play. I mean, that’s a dream that you always think about.”

Strawberry, a native of Los Angeles, is reportedly seeking a contract similar to the five-year, $23.5-million deal that Jose Canseco signed with the Oakland Athletics last summer.

Until Nov. 5, the Mets are the only team permitted to talk money with Strawberry, who led New York with 37 home runs and 108 runs batted in last season.

Fred Claire, vice president and general manager of the Dodgers, has said the Dodgers would be interested in Strawberry.