Veteran slugger Neil Walker hope he’s found a solid home once again; it was announced today he has signed a contract with the New York Yankees. Details have not been released, as the deal is still pending a physical.
Source: Second baseman Neil Walker has agreed to a deal with the New York Yankees. Still pending a physical.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 12, 2018
Neil Walker Signs with New York Yankees
Walker’s Career Profile
Drafted in the first round by the Pittsburgh Pirates, with the 11th overall pick in the 2004 June Amateur Draft, Walker would make his debut five years later in 2009. Technically, since he only played 17 games in 2009, his rookie year came in 2010. During that “rookie” year, Walker would hit a adequate .296 batting average with 12 home runs and 66 RBI. That year, Walker would finish fifth in Rookie of the Year voting. During his seven years with the Pirates, Walker would hit .272 with 418 RBI and 93 home runs. Also in his time in Pittsburgh, Walker also won a Silver Slugger award in 2014.
During the 2015 off-season, Walker would be traded to the New York Mets in exchange for pitcher Jon Niese. During his time in New York, Walker would hit his 100th career home run. This huge accomplishment came against the Atlanta Braves on April 23rd, 2016. During his two years with the Mets, Walker would hit a .275 batting average with 91 RBI and 33 home runs. In the 2017 season, during the August trading period, Walker would be traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for a player to be named later. During his entire career, Walker has hit a steady .272 batting average with 522 RBI and 130 home runs.
The Impact Of The Signing
The Yankees get a second baseman, even though he has a slight injury history, who has managed to stay relatively healthy. Plus, Walker is a slugger and can play any position needed, considering he didn’t start out as a second baseman. For the Brewers, they lose someone that they never truly had a chance to work with. With him only playing 38 games, this could be a tremendous loss considering he was hitting a nice .267 while in Milwaukee. But for now, Walker has found himself a home in New York, and he will look to make the most of his new opportunity.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
