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New York Mets, Neil Walker Still Talking Contract Extension

By Kenneth Teape

Aug 20, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; New York Mets infielder Neil Walker (20) scores in the sixth inning on a base hit by center fielder Justin Raggiano (1) (not pictured) against the San Francisco Giantso at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; New York Mets infielder Neil Walker (20) scores in the sixth inning on a base hit by center fielder Justin Raggiano (1) (not pictured) against the San Francisco Giantso at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Mets and second baseman Neil Walker continue to discuss a potential three-year extension.

When the New York Mets acquired Neil Walker from the Pittsburgh Pirates last season they weren’t sure how long he would be in town. Walker, like Jon Niese, whom he was traded for, was in his last season before hitting free agency. With so many young options in the middle infield, there was debate about whether or not Walker would be back.

Walker will be back with the Mets for at least one more season. New York gave Walker a qualifying offer this offseason and he accepted it; he will play 2017 under a one-year, $17.2 million option. Prior to signing that deal, Walker was looking to land a three-year deal to remain with the Mets.

While Walker signed the qualifying offer, the two sides have not stopped talking about an extension. General Manager Sandy Alderson said on Sunday that he had continued discussions with Walker’s agent.

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"“From my standpoint I did talk with his agents (Saturday),” the Mets GM said Sunday. “I expect to talk with Neil sometime today. I really don’t want to comment beyond that.”"

Walker did not comment on the situation. While Walker has not said anything, a source close to Walker offered some insight. The source shared that the two sides continuned talking about a deal in the same three-year range Walker was hoping to land. A Mets source said the three-year deal would include the 2017 season and be worth north of $40 million.

Walker had spent the first seven years of his MLB career with his hometown Pirates before playing with the Mets last season. He had a good first year with the Mets, hitting a career-high tying 23 home runs with 55 RBI. He finished with a slash line of .282/.347/.476. The slugging percentage was a career-high for Walker, while the on-base percentage fell only .003 short of a career high.

The only low-light in Walker’s first season with the Mets was his injuries. Walker only played in 113 games as he dealt with a back problem. He was eventually forced to undergo surgery, as he played in only four games after August 15th.

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The Mets are hoping that he can remain healthy this season and remain a producer in the middle of their order. New York already have enough back problems to deal with in David Wright; they do not want to add Walker to that list as well.

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