Milwaukee Brewers Acquire Neil Walker from New York Mets
By David Hill
The Milwaukee Brewers had been looking for an upgrade at second base. They found one today, as they acquired Neil Walker from the New York Mets.
Prior to the trade deadline, the Milwaukee Brewers were rumored to be looking for a second baseman. They were one of the teams linked to Ian Kinsler, but a trade never materialized. While the Brewers recognized that they needed an upgrade at second, they hoped that Eric Sogard, who had been on a tear before landing on the disabled list, would be that player.
However, when Sogard came back, he reverted to his former self. While he was a serviceable utility man in Oakland, Sogard was not the type of player that would start for a playoff contender. Facing that reality, the Brewers have acquired Neil Walker from the New York Mets, with New York paying a portion of his remaining $5 Million in salary.
Walker is owed roughly $5M the rest of the season and I heard #Mets are eating some to complete deal with #Brewers
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) August 12, 2017
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While Sogard’s overall production for the year looks good, he has produced a mere .108/.214/.108 batting line since his return from the disabled list on July 22. Walker, meanwhile, has a .264/.339/.442 batting line, hitting 10 homers and 13 doubles. His 104 OPS+ is a career low, but Walker’s track record certainly better than that of the Brewers other options.
In acquiring Walker, the Brewers bench also looks a lot stronger. Sogard can play more of a utility role, while Jonathan Villar, who was a revelation last season, can be spotted depending on the opponent. For the Mets, this gives them more of a chance to see what they have in Amed Rosario while playing Asdrubal Cabrera at second.
The Milwaukee Brewers have filled one of the holes on their roster by acquiring Neil Walker from the New York Mets. Their postseason push is not over yet.