Randy Johnson filed for free agency yesterday after failing to reach a contract agreement to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Johnson, a 45-year-old left-hander, is five victories shy of 300 and "hopes to find a team where he can continue to pitch at a high level and contribute to another world championship," agents Barry Meister and Alan Nero said in a statement.

"The Diamondbacks have a budget based on their club's financial situation and obviously viewed Randy's contract in that context," the agents said. "Randy considered every reasonable compromise including offering to take a 50 percent pay cut, all to remain a Diamondback. However, the economic situation did not lend itself to an agreement."

Johnson made $16 million last year and went 11-10 with a 3.91 ERA. He struck out 173 and walked 44.

Johnson, a five-time Cy Young winner, won the award from 1999-2002 with Arizona. He also was co-MVP with Curt Schilling in the 2001 World Series victory against the New York Yankees.

Johnson has 4,789 strikeouts, second to Nolan Ryan on the career list, and pitched a perfect game.

Cubs

Chicago acquired reliever Kevin Gregg in a trade with the Florida Marlins, a move that appears to end Kerry Wood's career with the team. Wood, the 1998 NL Rookie of the Year who saved 34 games this year, had been the longest-tenured player on the Cubs. General manager Jim Hendry said Wood was deserving of a three- or four-year deal and the Cubs are not prepared to offer him one. Gregg, acquired for minor league pitcher Jose Ceda, finished 7-8 with a 3.41 ERA and 29 save.

Twins

Manager Ron Gardenhire signed a two-year contract extension through the 2011 season. Despite trading ace Johan Santana, the Twins went 88-75 and nearly made the playoffs, losing a tiebreaker to the Chicago White Sox for the AL Central title. Gardenhire has led the Twins to four division titles in seven seasons, and the team has finished with a winning record six times.

Yankees

New York acquired Nick Swisher from the Chicago White Sox for pitching prospect Jeff Marquez and infielder Wilson Betemit. The teams also swapped minor league right-handers as part of the deal. Swisher, 28, hit .219 with 24 homers and 69 RBIs last season, and his .332 on-base percentage was the lowest of his career. He could replace Jason Giambi at first base but also can play all three outfield positions.

Phillies

Former Baltimore Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo joined Philadelphia's coaching staff although he wasn't immediately assigned a specific coaching position.