The Marlins announced infielder Neil Walker’s reinstatement from the injured list Tuesday. Walker missed over three weeks with a right quad strain. The club optioned right-hander Jeff Brigham to Triple-A New Orleans to make room for Walker.
The fact that Walker’s healthy as the July 31 deadline draws nearer is an encouraging development for rebuilding Miami, which isn’t chock-full of potential trade pieces. But the versatile, switch-hitting Walker stands out as a Marlin who could find himself on the move over the next month-plus.
Since joining the Marlins on a $2MM contract last winter, Walker has slashed .295/.375/.443 (122 wRC+) in 168 plate appearances. As a defender, the 33-year-old has seen substantial action at first and second base this season, and has also worked at third and in the corner outfield during his career.
Aside from 2018, when Walker signed with the Yankees in mid-March after not finding a deal to his liking in the offseason, he has consistently performed well in the majors. Also a former Pirate and Met, Walker has hit a lifetime .269/.340/.430 (112 wRC+) with 145 home runs in 4,898 trips to the plate. Walker’s affordable salary, solid career production and 2019 numbers figure to make for an appealing combination leading up to the deadline.
Rangers need a first baseman
Danny Santana is doing just fine, and if the young Ronald Guzman improves they won’t need another one.
Jeter will be gifting him to the Yankees if they want him.
As a thank you for Smith and Cooper?
Cooper can hit, but can’t seem to stay on the field. Greg Bird might have rubbed off a little bit in the brief time they were together.
Think the Yankees are all set on the infield. Torres, LeMahieu, Didi, & Urshela for three spots.
Your Mom will be gifting the whole team.
Walker should just retire. He is always getting hurt and losing his legs. Will always love the Pittsburgh Kid though.
As for clubs wanting a 1st baseman, over a sizable offer to the Pirates for Josh Bell. He isn’t going to do anything in Pittsburgh now that he doesn’t have anyone who can hit behind him. A team like Yankees, Red Sox, and a few others could use him daily and have a lineup that he can see pitches in.
Bell has cooled off considerably, slashing .261/.343/.489 in the last 28 Games with only three home runs and 21 K’s, showing that the first three months of the year were a little bit of a fluke. If they were smart they’d know Bell is in for some good regression in the second half, especially if he plays in the all-star game.
His OPS the last 28 days is .832 and you’re calling his first 3 months a fluke now? Wow man you sure are hard to impress.
The Yankees are all set with Voit.