BASEBALL

The Padres today will announce the signing of free-agent relief pitcher Larry Andersen to a two-year, $4.4 million contract, according to sources.

Andersen and the Padres agreed to the contract Wednesday, sources said, but Andersen requested a delay before the announcement was made.

Andersen also will receive an option year in the contract that could bring the total value of the package to $6 million. His average salary of $2.2 million this season is the highest of any Padre player, pending the arbitration hearings of first baseman Fred McGriff and catcher Benito Santiago.

The Padres also are close to signing second baseman Marty Barrett, who was released a week ago by the Boston Red Sox. Barrett and Joe McIlvaine, Padre general manager, had discussions Wednesday, and are expected to come to an agreement soon.

“I’d say it looks like I’m coming to San Diego,” Barrett said. “Mr. McIlvaine said, ‘We really want you,’ and I want to come. Nothing’s etched in stone, but everything just fits too well.