Yankees agree to deal with former Mets 2B Walker

TAMPA, Fla. — On second thought, the Yankees wanted veteran insurance at second base for 2018, too.

With top prospect Gleyber Torres struggling at the plate in his comeback bid from major elbow surgery, the Yankees have agreed to terms with veteran free-agent infielder Neil Walker Monday.

According to the Associated Press, it is a $4 million, one-year contract, which still would keep the Yankees under the $197 luxury tax threshold.

The Yankees, who also acquired infielder Brandon Drury from Arizona in February, had entered camp with rookies Miguel Andujar and either Torres or Tyler Wade atop the depth charts at third base and second base, respectively.

“I think if I still do what I do, it’s not going to be a problem for me,” Wade said. “He’s a great player, a power bat, and if he helps the team, that’s all that matters. I’m not worried about it. I just have to keep playing my game.”

Andujar has cooled following a quick start to spring training, while Torres, who underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery on his left (nonthrowing) elbow last summer, has gone 3-for-23 (.130) with no RBIs and six strikeouts.

“They are trying to make the best team, to win is the most important thing. It’s good. I feel good, and if this guy helps the team, I’m happy for that,” Torres said. “I’m just trying to be ready and help the team and do my job. I don’t know what happens right now. But I don’t control that. I just can control playing the game and staying focused on my game.”

Walker, 32, was acquired by the Mets from Pittsburgh (for Jon Niese) in late 2015, and the switchhitter signed a $17.2 million qualifying offer to remain in Flushing last season before being traded to Milwaukee in August.

The salary-dumping Mets believed they previously had a deal to send Walker to the Yankees. But the trade was nixed, with the Yankees reportedly claiming they had issues with the second baseman’s medical records, while the Mets charged their local rivals with using that as an excuse to back out of the deal. Walker underwent season-ending back surgery in 2016, but he batted .265 with 14 home runs and 49 RBIs in 111 games with the Mets and Brewers last season.

Chris O'Meara / Associated Press Second baseman Neil Walker fields a ground ball during drills at the MLBPA camp in Bradenton, Fla. on March 1. Walker signed with the Yankees on Monday.