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New York Mets Rumors: Neil Walker To Replace Daniel Murphy?

By Kenneth Teape

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New York Mets Rumors: Could the Pittsburgh Pirates be a trade partner for the Mets to replace Daniel Murphy by acquiring Neil Walker?

The New York Mets are coming into the Winter Meetings with a couple of holes on their team. Their bullpen could use an upgrade, and with Yoenis Cespedes and Daniel Murphy both free agents, the offense could use some help as well. The Mets will more than likely not be in the running for any big free agents outside of Ben Zobrist.

If they are unable to land Zobrist, as he is considering the Washington Nationals and San Francisco Giants as well, the Mets will have to look elsewhere to replace Murphy. With the free agent market rather bare, could they turn to the trade market to help replace Murphy at second base.

If they decide to do that, they could have a potential trade partner in the Pittsburgh Pirates. Like the Mets, the Pirates are usually tight with their budget, and would rather trade a player nearing free agency than lose them for nothing or pay them big bucks. We saw that happen as Pedro Alvarez was non-tendered recently. That will not happen to the hometown kid Neil Walker, but he is someone the Pirates do not want to continue paying as his arbitration number increases. Because of that, he is being shopped a bit and the Mets are a team that could be interested.

Walker would immediately upgrade the Mets lineup, as he brings some pop at second base with a slash line of .272/.338/.431 and has never hit less than 12 home runs since becoming a regular in the Pirates lineup. He would also be an upgrade in the field over Murphy, as he is an above-average fielder, ranking ninth in range factor among second basemen. He committed only seven errors on the season, which was the fourth lowest amount at second base.

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Those are all positives to acquiring Walker, but at the same time he can be a free agent after the season. That would make him essentially a one-year rental at worst, so what could the Mets realistically offer to get him? How about dipping into an area of strength in the starting pitching and offer Jon Niese?

Niese isn’t on the trade block, but he is someone that they would move in the right situation. Acquiring Walker could be that right situation, as he would help fill a big hole without costing a draft pick like some free agents and could be on his way after the season if things don’t work out.

But, the same issue the Pirates have with Walker’s earnings increasing this season is a problem the Mets could also have. Walker is projected to make $10.7 in arbitration this season according to MLBTradeRumors.com projections, something the Pirates will find hard to stomach. The cost-conscious Mets may also be in the same boat, and could use that as a reason to pass on Walker in favor of a cheaper option, such as Asdrubal Cabrera.

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The free agent market for second basemen is rather bare, so the Mets cannot wait too long or else they will strike out. Zobrist is atop their list, so if they can land him it will solve a lot of problems. But if he goes to the rival Nationals, the Mets should shift their attention to someone like Walker, as there isn’t a better option available in free agency. Walker would also bring a lot of the same qualities as Zobrist at the plate but at a younger age and with less money being needed to be devoted to him.

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