During the off-season we’ll be taking a closer look at some potential free agent targets for the Toronto Blue Jays. Today it’s Neil Walker.
Neil Walker| Age: 32 | Position: 2B | Bats: Both | Throws: Right
2017 stats: 111 GP| .265/.362/.439 | 14 HR | 2.1 WAR | BB/K: 55/77
MLB Trade Rumors Signing Prediction
Two years, $20 million, Brewers
Why he’s a potential fit for the Blue Jays
Given Devon Travis’s injury history, the Blue Jays are looking for insurance up the middle. Walker offers more than just that — he’s a proven everyday player who has accrued 21.1 wins above replacement over his nine-year career with the Pirates, Mets and Brewers.
The 32-year-old is a serviceable defender, but an above average hitter with good power. His 115 wRC+ since 2009 ranks eighth among all MLB second basemen, trailing Dustin Pedroia, Jose Ramirez and Daniel Murphy by just a hair.
The Blue Jays might be particularly interested in Walker’s ability to get on base. Toronto’s .312 on-base percentage was among the worst in baseball this past season and signing Walker is one way to go about improving in that area.
His plate discipline and switch-hitting abilities could allow the Blue Jays to use Walker near the top of the lineup. With the absence of a true leadoff hitter, you could even make the argument that Walker should bat in the top spot, despite his lack of speed. Manager John Gibbons’s use of Jose Bautista atop the batting order in recent seasons proves he’s not afraid to buck traditional methods of lineup construction.
Much of the above, though, is predicated on the scenario where Travis is not healthy. However, should the 26-year-old be on the field for a full season, there wouldn’t be an obvious place for Walker to play …
Why he might not be a fit for the Blue Jays
Walker’s defensive limitations are worth discussing. He has played his entire career at second base, with the exception of 19 games at third, 17 at first and one as designated hitter. So if you have a healthy Travis and Walker on the roster, things get a tad complicated. Perhaps the Blue Jays could move either to left field, but the club would need to be prepared for sub-optimal defence in that situation. Walker figures to earn around $10 million per season, so he won’t be signed to ride the bench.
Plus, the Blue Jays are looking for someone who is comfortable at shortstop, in addition to second, because Troy Tulowitzki can no longer be counted on to play a full season. Neither Travis or Walker can play shortstop, and it’s likely the Blue Jays don’t want to resort to playing large chunks of the season with the offensively challenged Ryan Goins there.
So, if the Blue Jays ink Walker and also address their pitching needs, would they have the financial resources to acquire another infielder capable of playing short?
Walker’s health is not infallible, either. He missed significant time over the past two seasons (partially torn left hamstring in 2017, herniated disc in 2016) and, as the Blue Jays have seen with the likes of Tulowitzki, Russell Martin and Steve Pearce, health is a real concern for players entering their mid-30s.
Given Toronto’s plan to contend in 2018, signing Walker to a two-year deal makes sense. But if a contract extends beyond that into his age 34 season, the risk gets a lot higher.
The latest Neil Walker buzz
The Mets appear to have some interest in a reunion with Walker, according to Mike Puma of The New York Post. Walker thrived with the Mets in 2016 and part of 2017, before he was traded mid-season to the Brewers.
What could end up quashing a deal, though, is that feelings were “bruised” when Walker and the Mets failed to negotiate a contract extension this year, notes Puma.
The Angels are another club with Walker on their list.
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