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New York Yankees: Neil Walker’s days in pinstripes are numbered

By Sean Dyer

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 17: Neil Walker #14 of the New York Yankees reacts after he struck out in the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Yankee Stadium on April 17, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 17: Neil Walker #14 of the New York Yankees reacts after he struck out in the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Yankee Stadium on April 17, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Although it’s still early in the season, it’s time for the New York Yankees to move on from Neil Walker.

When the New York Yankees signed Neil Walker late this offseason, it seemed like a bargain. A slow offseason for free agents allowed the Yankees to sign a quality veteran hitter for just $4 million. However, a slow start to the regular season could bring an early ending to Walker’s career in the Bronx.

Walker was originally expected to split time with Tyler Wade at second base. Then when ankle surgery landed Greg Bird on the disabled list to start the season, Walker was asked to split time with Tyler Austin at first base as well. It seemed as though Walker would get regular at-bats.

Unfortunately, that has not been the case of late. Walker struggled out of the gate while Austin made the most of his opportunity with Bird on the DL, settling the first base situation. Although Austin became the everyday first baseman, at-bats were still available for Walker with Wade struggling to start the year as well. However, after neither Walker or Wade could break through offensively, the Yankees decided to call up top prospect Gleyber Torres to play second base.

Through his first 10 games, Torres is hitting .294 with three doubles, four runs scored, and two RBI in 34 at-bats. The Yankees are also 9-1 in those 10 games. Impressive defense and plus speed on the bases have Torres looking like he’s here to stay as the everyday second baseman.

Could Neil Walker regain reps at first base? Well, Austin is hitting .273 with five homers, six doubles, 12 runs scored, and 16 RBI in 18 games (66 at-bats). Walker, on the other hand, is hitting just .165 with two doubles, eight runs scored, and six RBI in 20 games (79 at-bats).

With no starting role for Walker, his at-bats will be few and far between, making it even more difficult for him to get into a groove offensively. Paying $4 million to a bench player is not a problem, especially for the New York Yankees. However, there could be a roster crunch coming as players return from injuries and Walker could end up on the outside looking in.

There won’t even be room for Walker on the bench

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Brandon Drury was the Yankees starting third baseman on Opening Day but landed on the disabled list with migraines and blurred vision after just eight games. Drury is expected to return at some point in the month of May, potentially in the coming week or two. The problem is that his starting third base spot seems to have disappeared.

Prospect Miguel Andujar was called up when Drury hit the DL and he’s made the most of his opportunity. Andujar is hitting .287 with three home runs, 12 doubles, 10 runs scored, and 12 RBI in 87 at-bats. When Drury returns, it looks like he’ll be returning to a bench role.

The bench spot that Drury takes could be Walker’s and Walker could find himself unemployed. The Yankees gave Chris Carter until late June before designating him for assignment last year (and then early July before doing it again), but those were different circumstances.

For one, New York did not have any other first base options over Carter last season. He was playing just about every day (ugh). Walker, on the other hand, barely plays at all, and would see even less time with Drury in the rotation. Secondly, the 2017 Yankees were still believed to be “retooling” early in the season. They were a team in transition. The 2018 Yankees are World Series contenders (thanks, Giancarlo) and can’t waste a roster spot on a guy hitting .165.

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Walker had his shot while Austin was serving his four-game suspension, starting all four games at first base. Walker squandered the opportunity, however, going just 2-for-15 (.133).

Now it’s time for the New York Yankees to move on. The roster crunch is coming and Neil Walker seems like the obvious victim. He didn’t get an extended shot, but sometimes that’s how sports work.

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