R.A. Dickey would prefer to sign a contract extension with the Mets this winter rather than test free agency next offseason.

Dickey, the 2012 Cy Young winner, doesn't want to negotiate with the Mets during the season.

He is under contract for next season at $5 million.

"I think the minimalization of risk," Dickey said. "You obviously, when you sign an extension, you help yourself. You put yourself in a position to lessen the risk forthcoming of injury or what have you. So there's that.

"But more than that, for me, is I enjoy being here, and I want to be a part of this place seeing brighter days."