MLB
Miami Marlins Sign Neil Walker To A One-Year Contract
The Miami Marlins have announced that they have signed infielder Neil Walker to a one-year contract worth $2 million. The33 year-old will be a solid addition to the Marlins young lineup and will serve primarily as an infield-utility player. Walker spent this past season with the Yankees. Previously, he was also a “hometown hero” in Pittsburgh from 2009-2015, then went to the Mets for a year and a half, and then finished out that year with the Brewers before signing with the Yankees in 2018. In 2018, Walker hit just .219 with 11 homers and 46 RBIs for the Yankees. In his career, Walker has a slash-line of .268/.339/.430 with 141 homers and 568 RBIs along with a Silver Slugger Award he earned with the Pirates back in 2014.
What Does Walker Bring to the Marlins?
Neil Walker brings two key things to the Miami Marlins; versatility and veteran leadership. In terms of versatility, Neil Walker has played almost the whole infield and a little bit of the outfield. In 2018 with the Yankees, Walker played 38 games at first, 31 at second, 19 at third, and played 13 in right field. For a very cheap price, the Marlins got a dependable bat that can play multiple positions. Another aspect Walker brings to the Marlins is veteran leadership. Are the Marlins going to the playoffs in 2019? Most likely not. But Neil Walker can rub-off on a very young and inexperienced Marlins team. Walker has appeared in the playoffs with the Pirates from 2013-2015, and in 2018 with the Yankees. He has also been regarded as a great clubhouse guy for any team; especially with the Mets back in 2016. Walker will look for a huge bounce-back year in 2019 while also helping the Marlins take a step in the right direction as they continue the rebuilding process.
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Photo Credit to Tom Hagerty via Flickr
