Free-agent catcher Yorvit Torrealba has signed with the Padres, not the Mets.

It’s a one-year deal worth $1.25 million guaranteed, with a mutual option worth $3.5 million for 2011, according to MLB.com.

ESPN’s Buster Olney previously reported that Torrealba wanted to get the Mets to negotiate, but the team claimed it didn’t have the money to sign him.

The Mets, who lost out on top target Bengie Molina, are entering spring training with Omir Santos as their starting catcher.

Last month, Torrealba expressed interest in joining the Mets to play with fellow Venezuelan catcher Henry Blanco, likely Santos’ backup.