SECOND CHANCE
After nearly dealing for Walker in ’17, Bombers get ex-Met on the cheap
TAMPA — Neil Walker’s frustration with a free-agent market that doesn’t value players over 30 like it used to became the Yankees’ gain, as they were able to sign the former Met to a one-year deal that could be worth $4.5 million with incentives.
The arrival of Walker, 32, gives the Yankees a quality veteran infielder to put at second base and allows them to keep to their goal of staying enough under the $197 million luxury-tax threshold that they will still have room to add another piece during the season.
Top prospect G le yb er Torres has struggled at the plate this spring after missing much of last season following Tommy John surgery to his non-throwing elbow while with Triple-A Scranton / Wilkes-Barre and likely could use more seasoning in the minors. Tyler Wade emerged as a possible candidate with a strong start to spring, but Walker’s availability at a bargain-basement price was too good for the Yankees to pass up.
“It was certainly a crazy offseason, but more than anything my hope was that I would land somewhere that was gonna be competitive and had a chance to win,” Walker said after arriving at George M. Steinbrenner Field. “I’m just happy to be here, happy to be on a contending team.’’
General manager Brian Cashman said the switch-hitting Walker’s late arrival means he will compete for the job at second, along with Torres and Wade, who has had a good spring and had two more hits in a 2-1 loss to the Twins.
“It certainly wasn’t part of our game plan at first,” Cashman said of Walker’s addition. “But it was something we couldn’t ignore when the opportunity existed.”
To make room for Walker on the 40-man roster, the Yankees designated outf ielder Jake Cave for assignment and released Danny Espinosa.
Walker almost ended up in The Bronx last season, but a trade with the Mets didn’t come to fruition and he ended up in Milwaukee.
The Yankees had discussions earli er in the offseason about Walker, but when they traded for Brandon Drury, it seemed Walker would no longer be an option.
That changed last week, with Walker among the veteran free agents who were unable to f ind jobs, and he and the Yankees reconnected.
“We had a really good player fall into our lap, essentially,” said manager Aaron Boone, who added Walker could be in a game as soon as Thursday. “His track record, I think, speaks for itself. But I wouldn’t say he’s coming in here as [the starter].’’
The next challenge for Walker will be getting ready in time for Opening Day. He said he got between eight and 12 at-bats at the camp held by the MLBPA in Bradenton, Fla., and he will get some extra work in at the Yankees’ minor league complex.
“One thing you’re happy about as a player is to have the opportunity to get to the playoffs and get to the World Series,” said Walker, who will wear No. 14. “You look around here and there’s arguably the best group of guys that there are in the league. I’m excited to be a part of this whole process.”
The Yankees were linked to Walker earlier in the offseason, but insisted they were comfortable starting the season with Torres at second and another rookie, Miguel Andujar, at third.
Now, they have acquired Walker and Drury. Both have significantly more MLB experience and the ability to play multiple positions in the infield. The move comes with little risk for the Yankees, who have the luxury of allowing the 21- yearold Torres to start the season in the minors. He is just 3-for-23 this Grapefruit League season.
“Gleyber is obviously still competing here, but right now, obviously, Tyler Wade is having a tremendous camp, and Gleyber is trying to get back on track,” Cashman said. “He missed a lot of time, so it doesn’t affect Gleyber in any way, shape or form in terms of taking a chance. He’s competing for a job here. If not, he’s going to go to Triple-A and wait for his opportunity.”