New York Mets considering a Neil Walker reunion at second base

The New York Mets are reportedly interested in a reunion with Neil Walker at second base. Good idea?

Among the items on the New York Mets offseason agenda is a starting second baseman. One potential player to fill the position is Ian Kinsler, whom we have discussed. What if, however, the Mets decided to go with an old friend instead of somebody new? Maybe they look into someone who has already spent some time wearing the blue and orange of the Mets?

That may be something being considered. According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets are considering the possibility of bringing back Neil Walker, who was traded away at the end of last season to fill the hole at second base. According to Puma, there may just be one hurdle:

"At issue is the failed contract-extension negotiations between Walker and the team from earlier this year, causing bruised feelings that could leave the player and his representatives hesitant to embrace the possibility of a return."

The feelings that Puma is talking about stem from the failed negotiations between the two sides after Walker signed a $17.2 million qualifying offer.

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So how about a reunion up the middle? Is it a good idea? Bon Jovi once sang, “Who says you can’t go home”. Is he right?

To be honest, normally this is a bad idea. Going back to the well with a previous player doesn’t typically make sense. Once a guy is gone, the team has changed that was around him and bringing him back would not be part of the right mix. There was a reason the player was sent away to begin with and a return stint is typically a step in the wrong direction.

However, Neil Walker could be that exception. First of all, it’s not as if he was a long-term Met. He wasn’t with the team for two full seasons, being traded late in his second season. His tenure with the Mets was a whopping 1+ years. Bringing him back now would almost be continuing the same tenure with just a small break involved.

Walker was also a very solid Met. At the plate he hit .275 over the two seasons. Did his bat match that of what Daniel Murphy became? No, but it didn’t have to. Walker was a productive offensive player. He also had a fielding percentage that hovered around .985 at second base. He would clearly bring solid defense up the middle.

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The team is similar to the way it was when he left and that is why they need a guy like Walker. He left a predominantly young team and would be returning to the same. Walker has been known as a great teammate and a great locker room guy. He would be a quality person to add back to the mix as well as player. For once, going back to the well with a former player makes sense.

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