The Marlins Sign Neil Walker To 1 Year Deal

In February of 2018, there was belief Neil Walker would end up back with his old team The Mets. But about a month later, the Yankees signed Walker to a one-year, $4 million deal.  If fans recall, the skilled infielder spent more than a season with the Mets, who acquired him from the Pirates for pitcher Jon Niese in late 2015. In 2016, he hit .282 with 23 homers and 55 RBI in 113 games wearing blue and orange. In 2017, he accepted a qualifying offer worth $17.2 million and hit .264 with 10 bombs and 36 RBI in 73 games before the Mets sent him to the Brewers for a player to be named later. Now The Marlins have added Walker to their 2019 roster.

MLB.com reports:

The Marlins added a veteran to their infield mix on Tuesday by signing Neil Walker to a one-year contract. MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal reported the value at $2 million, according to sources.

The 33-year-old first came up with his hometown Pirates in 2009 and since then has spent time with the Mets, Brewers and Yankees over 10 big league seasons. Primarily a second baseman for the bulk of his career, Walker also has recent experience at first base, third base and in the corner outfield, so Miami could use him at multiple spots.

At present, the Marlins' infield options include second baseman Starlin Castro, shortstop JT Riddle and third baseman Martin Prado, plus Peter O'Brien and Miguel Rojas. Breakout rookie Brian Anderson split time between third base and right field last season and could end up back in the outfield in 2019. Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill told the Miami Herald that he expects Walker's primary role to be a platoon first baseman alongside O'Brien.

Walker will be hoping to rebound following a difficult '18. A free agent a year ago, Walker didn't sign with the Yankees until March 12 and then struggled to get going. The switch-hitter posted a .402 OPS in the opening month and .563 before the All-Star break.

However, Walker did bounce back by batting .247/.346/.442 with eight home runs and 27 RBIs in 52 second-half games. That was a solid match for his career numbers (.268/.339/.430).

Prior to last year, Walker had been a remarkably consistent offensive performer. He owns a park-adjusted career OPS+ of 111 (100 is considered league average), having posted a mark between 106 and 126 in each of his eight previous full seasons.

To make room for Walker on the 40-man roster, Miami designated pitcher Nick Wittgren for assignment. The 27-year-old righty made 118 relief appearances for the Marlins over the past three seasons, producing a 3.60 ERA.