The Mets have issued a qualifying offer to second baseman Neil Walker, as MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo tweets. It’s no surprise to learn, too, that outfielder Yoenis Cespedes has also been extended the one-year, $17.2MM offer.
Walker was an obvious QO call before he underwent season-ending back surgery. But initial signs have been promising, with the veteran explaining that the procedure addressed a long-standing issue and ought to make it easier for him to perform going forward.
New York got exactly what it hoped for when it dealt Jon Niese to pick up the final season left on Walker’s deal. Now 31, the switch-hitting Walker provided 458 plate appearances of .282/.347/.476 hitting and popped 23 home runs on the year. It’s important to note, too, that Walker showed improvement in the field in 2016. Though he typically rates as a below-average defender, he ended the year with a neutral rating from DRS and a strong 11.1 runs saved by measure of UZR.
That overall output didn’t quite match the work of his predecessor, Daniel Murphy, who had a breakout year in his new digs in D.C. But it made Walker a quality everyday regular at a position of need, which is why he could end up returning. Whether the sides explore a multi-year arrangement over the coming week, while Walker considers the QO, remains to be seen, but a return could well make sense for both sides. If not, Walker will be an interesting free agent to watch, as teams weigh the injury uncertainty against his history of steady offensive production from an up-the-middle position.
I see the Mets using this as a negotiating tool. Other teams will have to think long and hard before signing a player coming off back surgery AND giving up a draft pick. Someone with a protected pick might think a multi year deal for Walker is worth the risk.
Walker will accept it – point blank
If he feels his recovery is on track (which the Mets seem to think it is) he could very well decline it. Even with the QO he could get a far bigger guarantee. The AAV will be lower but guaranteed money is king. If he accepts and suffers a more serious injury his career could be in jeopardy. With a QO he might be able to get 3/30 or slightly more. It depends if he wants to bet on himself like other players have
Agreed. Can’t imagine him not accepting it.
I don’t believe this was a surprise to anyone. I do believed Weiters will sign a multi-year deal, perhaps with Atlanta now that Chiti and Wallace are in that organization, and he went to school at Ga Tech.
WOW. Walker has not choice but to accept that.
I’m a little surprised by this, but I suppose that it’s a smarter move than risking a long term contract with Walker. I wish him the best, but he’s had back issues on and off since he was a minor leaguer. His recovery may be going well now, but that’s no guarantee that he won’t have more problems later.
Hope he accepts the QO …Cechinni is the future 2nd baseman and should be ready in 2018!
If he learns to throw…
no way he takes the QO. he will however get a 3 year deal with NYM
wrong!
Funny to see the opposite opinions here…I think he accepts it before we find out who’s the president.
agreed!