NEW YORK -- The New York Mets have extended contract offers to first baseman Eddie Murray and right-hander Rick Sutcliffe, according to people on both sides of the deals.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have offered a one-year contract to Murray, 35, who drove in 96 runs for them last season. But they have refused to greatly improve their proposal. Murray, according to a person close to the Dodgers as well as published reports in Los Angeles, has told other Dodgers players that he probably wouldn't return for next season.

The Mets confirmed yesterday that they made an official offer to Murray within the past 48 hours. The details of the proposal are unclear, but it can be reasonably assumed that the offer is for at least two years and in the neighborhood of $6 million.

Murray, who drove in 279 runs in his three seasons with the Dodgers, made $2.56 million last season in the final year of a five-year contract that he signed with the Baltimore Orioles before being traded. General manager Al Harazin's affection for Murray dates to the general manager's years in the front office of the Orioles.

The Mets have made a one-year offer to Sutcliffe, 35, who last year for the Cubs struggled in his return from shoulder surgery.