Certainly, when you look at any free agent, there are a number of things you can look to pick apart. When looking at former Mets second baseman Neil Walker, the big knock on him is his health. He needed back surgery in 2016, and last year, missed a large chunk of time due to a partially torn hamstring.
Even with the injury issues, Walker has been a productive player when on the field. In 448 plate appearances last year, Walker hit .265/.362/.439 with 14 homers and 49 RBI. The one caution you would need to have with him is that he showed 2016 was a blip as he returned to struggling against left-handed pitching.
Given what he provides a team and as MMO‘s Rob Piersall opined over this weekend, it might be time to consider a Walker reunion.
Based upon their production there last year, the Mets have three players ill-suited to playing second base everyday with Asdrubal Cabrera (-6 DRS), Wilmer Flores (-1 DRS), and Jose Reyes (-5 DRS). What is interesting about this group is all three of them struggle against right-handed pitching. Heading into Opening Day, Cabrera is the starter, but based upon recent history, we can count for the Mets playing dozens of players at the position.
Given the defensive issues and platoon splits, it would behoove the Mets to add Walker to the mix. He’d be another body who can give them games, and he’s a well suited platoon candidate with any of the aforementioned incumbent second baseman.
However, the Mets are paying Cabrera $8.5 million, and based upon how the Mets operate, they are not likely going to stick him on the bench. And as mentioned above, they have Flores and Reyes who can supplant him when need be.
The team does not owe the same loyalties to Adrian Gonzalez though.
The soon to be 36-year-old first baseman is coming off an injury riddled year himself where he hit just .242/.287/.355 with three homers and 30 RBI in 71 games. With him starting off the Spring going 2-for-15, he’s not yet inspiring confidence he will bounce back.
With him looking more and more like a player who is closer to retirement and Dominic Smith having a Spring which has combined being late and injured, the Mets should at least investigate the free agent market for an external first baseman.
If he wants to pull a Todd Zeile, Walker could sign on with the Mets to play first base. If not, Todd Frazier has experience there, which would allow the Mets to put Walker at third base. When Smith is ready, or if injuries ultimately befall the Mets again, the team would have some versatility with Walker. He likely could slot in at any infield position but short.
With the former Met still on the market and likely available for a discount, this is something the Mets should be considering. Ultimately, it may prove to be a shrewd signing to help bolster the infield.
