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batman
As a Pirates fan, the Kang injury all but assured Walker will be back. Which sucks, because I was all for trading him
zippytms
As a Pirates fan, do you think the Pirates are looking for depth at SS with Kang out now? Would they want Barmes back?
batman
They were looking at Barmes at the deadline so it’s possible. Tho I believe the Padres still have him for another year and I’m not sure what it would take to get him
zippytms
You’re correct, it’s a team option. If they want to let Walker walk, Barmes would be cheap veteran depth. He’s been coaching the youngsters in SD at how to play SS/2B, so his value extends beyond playing time at this point. I love having him around, but I don’t see his role expanding next year. The Padres might like to move him now for a couple of project prospects.
johnsilver
Like allowing Walker to hit FA a year early would hurt him. The Yankees would gladly pay him 10m a year to fix that hole they have had at second since Cano left and give him multiple years just to go to NY, maybe even 3y and 12m a year based on his track record and the people the Yanks have had to rely on over the last couple of years.
galihaaben 2
I totally agree with the Yankees taking on Walker. Second base has been a question mark since Cano left and I really do not think Refsnyder is as reliable as advertised. But in case they do miss out, the Yankees should extend an offer to Howie Kendrick and Daniel Murphy for the right price; maybe around 4y/40-60m, somewhat like Headley’s contract and Gardner’s extension.
galihaaben 2
Hoping that Refsynder’s is growing so we won’t have to take on more free agents just to fill a hole. But I would not mind taking Walker. His consistent bat to the Yankees already consistent lineup.
TJECK109
Why non-tender him and let him walk a year early and nothing in return? Surely he would still be attractive on trade market this winter to teams needing help at 2b.
johnsilver
That was my point. He’s better than probably half the 2nd basemen in the league, then you have the Pirates that already have a couple of guys in theory that can play the position a lot cheaper and they are a sort of small market team. Odder things have happened.
Am not saying they would actually remove him from the 40 man roster, though his trade value is probably somewhat diminished with teams who REALLY need a 2nd baseman (hello Yankees) knowing the Prates really can’t afford to pay him 10m next year and will take cut rate value, at best back in a trade.
It’s not right and possible the Pirates (tho improbable) just DFA him rather than take back some near nothing in exchange. I’d think he’s still got fair value.
jaysfan1994
There are so many teams that would trade for Walker, really makes no sense not getting anything for him.
seamaholic 2
Oh someone will trade for him, but it’s not like there will be a feeding frenzy. He’s a 2 WAR (at best) player that should ideally be a strong-side platoon 2B, making $10m for one year. That’s some excess value (a few million) but not a ton. B minus prospect returning, if that.
batman
I gotta think he’d have a pretty similar return to what Philly got back for Chase at the very least. But I don’t think that’ll matter. I don’t see how the Pirates can move him now that Kang will miss some time going into next season
jvoynik
I see that if Walker were to go to free agency, he would get a nice paycheck for 4 years. If the Pirates were to resign him, he would get maybe 3-ish years and decent pay. His attitude is great and the clubhouse loves him. I would just see decreased playing time with Harrison and Alen Hansen coming up.
Kershawshank Redemption 2
Kangs injury all but guarantees Walker will be back. Even then, there’s a good argument to keep all of them. Start Kang at third, Jordy at short, Walker at second and JHay as a super utility guy who can even relieve Marte when he inevitably hurts his hand.
T.Smizzle
Simple, keep Walker, play him at second, Kang at short, and J-Hay at third and bench Mercer cause he really doesn’t deserve to start, he isn’t better than the other 3.
ronnsnow
Unless Walker is willing to change positions, I don’t think its wise to extend him. His range at secondbase is declining, and he’s basically become a platoon player at this point. He has been really bad against LHP.
If he’s willing to become somewhat of a utilty infielder, then I’d consider keeping him around. He could provide depth as a corner IF, mainly first base until Josh Bell is ready, and get some time at third, filling in for Kang or Harrison.
A'sfaninUK
Walker should be extended because he’s a vastly better and more consistent player than Mercer or Harrison, who both might end up falling into “one year wonder” categories. Luckily the Pirates are a smart team who will more than likely keep everyone due to their team depth being a hugely important factor in their recent success. With the way prospects are getting valued, they might even get better players in return for theirs than any of these players anyway, especially from a non-contender looking to shed contracts.