The Cubs signed outfielder David DeJesus to a two-year deal reportedly worth $10 million with a club option for 2014.

DeJesus endured a down year in Oakland in 2011, but by all accounts it’s a good deal for the Cubs. The New York metro-area native struck out way more than he normally does last season, but suffered from a batting average on balls in play well below his typical rates that likely had something to do with career lows in batting average, on-base percentage and slugging. DeJesus plays the outfield well and has experience in all three positions, though he will be 32 on Opening Day and has not been a full-time center fielder since 2007.

As a Mets fan, I am of course more concerned with what the DeJesus deal means for Angel Pagan’s future in Flushing. DeJesus and Pagan posted remarkably similar offensive lines in 2011: DeJesus hit .240/.323/.376 in pitcher-friendly Oakland, Pagan .262/.322/.372 at Citi Field.

DeJesus’ career numbers are slightly better: He has a 106 OPS+ to Pagan’s 101, and several more seasons’ worth of consistent production.

Pagan, we all saw, struggled defensively in 2011 after an excellent season in center in 2010. But Pagan is a year and a half younger than DeJesus, and since he is eligible for arbitration, will not require a multi-year commitment.

Add that to the fact that Grady Sizemore — who was once awesome but has not been better than Pagan since 2008 — recently signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the Indians, and all signs to the Mets making the smart move and returning their center fielder for another go of it in Flushing.

This still bothers many Mets fans. But color me skeptical that all the various reports of the team’s impatience with Pagan’s supposed behavioral problems amount to anything more than offseason chatter.

Thus far the team’s front office has shown a consistent ability to defy the noise in the media and fan base in favor of prudent decisions, and since no better and less expensive options appear available on the market, Pagan still seems like the Mets’ best choice to open the season in center in 2012.