Kansas City Royals offered Neil Walker minor league deal
The Kansas City Royals offered Neil Walker a minor league contract. It is easy to understand why he turned that deal down.
In theory, the Kansas City Royals do not need another second baseman. Whit Merrifield had a breakout season last year, emerging as a potential building block for the now rebuilding Royals. However, given the number of open positions on the roster, Kansas City has considered moving Merrifield around, potentially playing him in center.
That potential to move Merrifield around has led to a few question marks at second. Adalberto Mondesi could take over as the Royals second baseman in that case, but he has yet to prove he can hit at the major league level. Understandably, the Royals could use a backup plan at the position.
As it turns out, an attempt was made to solidify second base. Per Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the Royals offered Neil Walker a minor league contract, with an invitation to Spring Training. Given the general lack of competition at second if Merrifield is moved to the outfield, Walker would have stood a good chance at making the Opening Day roster. However, Walker declined, waiting for a major league deal instead.
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It is easy to understand why that would be the case. Walker has been a solid hitter over his career, with a lifetime .272/.341/.437 batting line, hitting 130 homers. He was solid last year as well, hitting at a .265/.362/.439 clip with 14 homers and 21 doubles. Walker even showed some defensive flexibility, filling in at first and third.
However, there are questions about Walker outside of his offensive value. He has struggled defensively at second over the past two years, costing his teams ten runs. His range has decreased as well, and at 32 years old, is not likely to improve defensively in the coming years. A position change may be coming in the somewhat near future.
And yet, Walker still has plenty to offer. He has been worth at least two wins above replacement in each of the past seven years. His bat has plenty of life left, and he has been an excellent contact hitter. With several teams, including the Milwaukee Brewers, in need of a second baseman, one can understand why he would hold out for a major league deal.
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The Kansas City Royals offered Neil Walker a minor league contract, only to be turned down. Given his production over his career, it is easy to see why that would be the case.